Looking Beyond the Surface 39th Annual Conference

Course overview

Oncology Social Work Looking Beyond the Surface. Oncology Social Workers create connections between patients and families and link them to available support and resources. On the surface it may appear that oncology social workers simply refer to community financial and support resources. However by utilizing a perspective that is diverse equitable and inclusive oncology social workers can utilize their skills and knowledge to look below the surface. They apply networking and application of theory into trauma informed practice to address the obstacles cancer patients face. The Oncology Social Worker is tasked with guiding a patient through a multilayered journey with the end goal of developing healthy coping skills improved communication and acceptance. Oncology social workers need advanced practice skills in order to successfully guide patients and family members as a member of a multidisciplinary team.