Oncology Social Work

The development of this inaugural Handbook of Oncology Social Work: Psychosocial Care for People With Cancer provides a repository of the scope of oncology social workers' clinical practice, education, research, policy and program leadership in the psychosocial care of people with cancer and their families. It focuses on the unique synergy of social work perspectives, values, knowledge, and skills with the psychosocial needs of cancer patients, their families, and the health care systems in which they are treated. It addresses both the science and art of psychosocial care and identifies the increasing specialization of oncology social work related to its unique knowledge base, skills, role, and the progressive complexity of psychosocial challenges for patients with cancer. This Handbook equips the reader with all that we know today in oncology social work about patient and family centered care, distress screening, genetics, survivorship, care coordination, sociocultural and economic diversity, legal and ethical matters, clinical work with adults living with cancer, cancer across the lifespan, their caregivers and families, pediatrics, loss and grief, professional career development, leadership, and innovation. Our hope is that in reading this Handbook you will identify new areas where each of you can leave your mark as innovators and change agents in our evolving field of practice.

A valuable reference tool for new social workers and experienced social workers new to the oncology field, this book is rich with information about the emotional and social impact of cancer on children, adults, and their families. It discusses the range of social work interventions applied in cancer care, as well as the professional issues that arise, and it includes the latest information about diagnosis, treatment, and the resources and support services available. Intended to provide an overview of the field of oncology social work, this guide serves as a foundation on which to begin oncology practice.

The development of this inaugural Handbook of Oncology Social Work: Psychosocial Care for People With Cancer provides a repository of the scope of oncology social workers' clinical practice, education, research, policy and program leadership in the psychosocial care of people with cancer and their families. It focuses on the unique synergy of social work perspectives, values, knowledge, and skills with the psychosocial needs of cancer patients, their families, and the health care systems in which they are treated. It addresses both the science and art of psychosocial care and identifies the increasing specialization of oncology social work related to its unique knowledge base, skills, role, and the progressive complexity of psychosocial challenges for patients with cancer. This Handbook equips the reader with all that we know today in oncology social work about patient and family centered care, distress screening, genetics, survivorship, care coordination, sociocultural and economic diversity, legal and ethical matters, clinical work with adults living with cancer, cancer across the lifespan, their caregivers and families, pediatrics, loss and grief, professional career development, leadership, and innovation. Our hope is that in reading this Handbook you will identify new areas where each of you can leave your mark as innovators and change agents in our evolving field of practice.

Oncology and Palliative Social Work: Psychosocial Care for People Coping with Cancer illustrates the need for integrating early palliative care for patients with cancer and the important role social workers have in providing psychosocial support services across the cancer trajectory. There is a convergence of oncology and palliative social work specialties in the delivery of comprehensive, culturally-congruent, whole person cancer care. OPSW reflects the collective knowledge, skills, clinical experience and perspectives of a diverse group of interprofessional contributors, including best practices, emerging trends, and priorities in psychosocial oncology, and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on this evolving landscape. The volume is divided into four sections, each with five to eight thematically connected chapters. Topics include: diagnosing and treating cancer; equity, racism, cultural competence, and cultural humility; social determinants of health; cancer care amid pandemics, disasters and other traumatic events; survivorship, integrative programs, lifestyle and rehabilitation; innovative models in palliative care in oncology; the future direction of psychosocial oncology and palliative care, including research; psychosocial aspects of cancer; pain, symptom, and side effect management; a novel collaborative care model for people living with severe mental illness; interprofessional spiritual care; informal cancer caregivers; palliative and hospice care at the end of life; loss, grief, and bereavement; underrepresented, underserved, and vulnerable populations; ethical and legal issues; professional development and sustainability; credentialing, certification, and continuing education; technology; social work leadership skills; interprofessional practice; international oncology and palliative social work; and, strategies for guiding best practices for the future.

Quality cancer care necessitates a multidisciplinary team approach that allows survivors to access experts other than physicians before, during, and after treatment. Oncology social workers are in a unique position to be a key member of the treatment team and play a fundamental role in assisting in the psychosocial care and advocacy role for cancer survivors. As one of the largest allied health professions in the U.S., social workers are a primary provider of psychosocial interventions and services intended to facilitate treatment of cancer. Oncology social workers are an important member of the cancer treatment team, and they deal with a multitude of complex issues facing cancer patients and their families. The purpose of this book is to provide a guide for social workers and related fields in understanding the issues surrounding a diagnosis of breast and ovarian cancer and providing services to breast and ovarian cancer patients and their families. In addition to the physical suffering experienced by women diagnosed with breast and ovarian cancer, there is considerable emotional suffering for these women and their families. This book addresses the broad issues of breast and ovarian cancer from a social work perspective, and covers a range of topics, such as, managed care, minority patients with breast and ovarian cancer, younger women with breast and ovarian cancer, children and families, evidence based interventions, advocacy, spirituality, technology and internet, professional development, and professional challenges.

Cancer care today often provides state-of-the-science biomedical treatment, but fails to address the psychological and social (psychosocial) problems associated with the illness. This failure can compromise the effectiveness of health care and thereby adversely affect the health of cancer patients. Psychological and social problems created or exacerbated by cancer-including depression and other emotional problems; lack of information or skills needed to manage the illness; lack of transportation or other resources; and disruptions in work, school, and family life-cause additional suffering, weaken adherence to prescribed treatments, and threaten patients' return to health. Today, it is not possible to deliver high-quality cancer care without using existing approaches, tools, and resources to address patients' psychosocial health needs. All patients with cancer and their families should expect and receive cancer care that ensures the provision of appropriate psychosocial health services. Cancer Care for the Whole Patient recommends actions that oncology providers, health policy makers, educators, health insurers, health planners, researchers and research sponsors, and consumer advocates should undertake to ensure that this standard is met.

Holland-Frei Cancer Medicine, Ninth Edition, offers a balanced view of the most current knowledge of cancer science and clinical oncology practice. This all-new edition is the consummate reference source for medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, internists, surgical oncologists, and others who treat cancer patients. A translational perspective throughout, integrating cancer biology with cancer management providing an in depth understanding of the disease An emphasis on multidisciplinary, research-driven patient care to improve outcomes and optimal use of all appropriate therapies Cutting-edge coverage of personalized cancer care, including molecular diagnostics and therapeutics Concise, readable, clinically relevant text with algorithms, guidelines and insight into the use of both conventional and novel drugs Includes free access to the Wiley Digital Edition providing search across the book, the full reference list with web links, illustrations and photographs, and post-publication updates