Social work in oncology

Abstract

This 450-hour advanced practicum took place with the Supportive Care Program (SCP) at the Northeast Cancer Centre (NECC) in Sudbury, ON. The social workers of the SCP provide emotional and practical support to individuals with a cancer diagnosis and their families. My learning focused on knowledge acquisition; improving direct practice skills; self-reflection; and was inspired by the question: how can I support cancer patients on an individual level, as well as, a systemic level? A generalist-eclectic approach was used during one-on-one counselling sessions in order to address the complex and varying needs of the cancer patients seeking services. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the majority of these sessions occurred via telephone or videoconference in order to adhere to social distancing guidelines and reduce the rate of transmission. In addition, a literature review was conducted exploring the impacts of systematic concerns within the Canadian healthcare system, as well as, the principles required to practice cultural humility and person-centred care. Social workers have a crucial role within oncology settings by supporting patients and encouraging the treatment of the patient as a whole in order to improve overall quality of life. The development of assertiveness skills are necessary to effectively advocate for patients, families, structural change, and the expertise of the social work profession. Social workers must also have an understanding of the historical systemic concerns present within our healthcare institutions informed by the core concepts of cultural humility.