P1.07-19 Palliative Care Social Workers Multi-Dimensional Roles: A Namibian Perspective

Abstract

This article provides insight on multi-dimensional roles of twenty social workers providing palliative to patients with life-limiting illnesses (e.g. cancer, cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, etc.) in six hospitals in primary care in Namibia. Constructive grounded theory as a qualitative research approach was utilized and an ethnographic study was carried out through in-depth interviews with twenty practicing social workers at six public hospitals in Namibia using an audio-tape recorder to explore how social workers perceive their role in providing palliative care to patients with life-limiting illnesses. Purposive, non-probability sampling through qualitative in-depth face-to-face and open-ended interviews. Data were gathered using a narrative approach. Memoranda through field notes, memos assisted in data analysis, applying traditional grounded theory coding techniques applied. Data collection and analysis were conducted interchangeably. Social workers perform multi-dimensional roles in the provision of palliative care such as advocate, assessor, broker, counsellor, educator, facilitator, patient liaison, mediator, discharge planner and manager of in-country referrals. Understanding the importance of the multi-dimensional roles of social workers in the provision of palliative care to patients with life-limiting illnesses is critical. National palliative care policy guidelines and further research are needed in strengthening social workers’ role in the provision of the field of palliative care. This can be achieved through effective training and capacity building of social workers through continuous education in palliative care.