Care Coordination in Oncology Social Work

Course overview

Oncology social work has been a specialty within medical social work for over 40 years. Several historical events led to its recognition as a distinct profession, including the establishment of hospitals and cancer centers, and the integration of the social perspective of patients' lives into their medical care by hospital social workers. As interest in the psychological, emotional, and social aspects of a cancer diagnosis increased in the 1970s, medical social workers became specialized in cancer care, and professional psychosocial oncology groups began to form. In 1984, the Association of Oncology Social Workers (AOSW) was established to enhance psychosocial services for people with cancer and their families and caregivers. Today, oncology social work is the primary professional discipline that provides psychosocial services to patients, families, and significant others facing the impact of a potential or actual diagnosis of cancer. AOSW's Standards of Practice state that oncology social workers provide comprehensive psychosocial services to cancer survivors, families, and caregivers through clinical practice across all phases of the cancer experience. After a psychosocial assessment is completed, one aspect of practice is developing a multidisciplinary care plan that uses a range of interventions to address issues at each phase of the illness. This course will review core competencies of care coordination in oncology social work, including providing culturally competent care, navigating the health care system, addressing barriers to care, and supporting patients during transitions throughout the disease trajectory. This course expands on the first three Oncology Social Work Practice courses titled "Assessing Psychosocial Needs in Oncology," "Clinical Assessment in Oncology Social Work," and "Clinical Intervention in Oncology Social Work."