ABSTRACT

Social workers have a prominent role in responding to cancer patients’ mental health needs. Given the risk of mental health distress in cancer patients, and given that social workers are responsible for responding to these needs, the purpose of this study was to explore how social workers describe their role in responding to mental health distress and suicidality in people with cancer. The Grounded Theory method of data collection and analysis was used. Eighteen social workers were recruited and interviewed. Social workers saw themselves and acted as an interprofessional hub for their patients. This approach was based on the values of holistic care, multiple treatment modalities, interpersonal consultation, and continuity of care. From this standpoint, social workers offered their patients (and at times, their families) comprehensive services providing emotional, behavioral and practical support within the hospital setting, but also outside of it in the patient’s communities. Consideration should be paid to promote systemic changes to acknowledge and compensate oncology socials workers’ invisible labor that includes both emotional carryover and continuous engagement in their role as liaison and intermediaries for their patients.

摘要

社会工作者在应对癌症患者的心理健康需求方面发挥着重要作用。鉴于癌症患者存在心理健康困扰的风险，并且鉴于社会工作者有责任满足这些需求，本研究的目的是探讨社会工作者如何描述他们在应对癌症患者的心理健康困扰和自杀方面的作用. 使用扎根理论方法进行数据收集和分析。招募并采访了 18 名社会工作者。社会工作者将自己视为患者的跨专业中心。这种方法基于整体护理、多种治疗方式、人际咨询和护理连续性的价值观。从这个角度来看，社会工作者为他们的病人提供服务（有时，他们的家人）在医院环境内提供情感、行为和实际支持的综合服务，也在患者社区之外提供情感、行为和实际支持。应考虑促进系统性变革，以承认和补偿肿瘤学社会工作者的无形劳动，包括情感遗留和持续参与他们作为患者联络和中间人的角色。