Palliative Social Work Services for Cancer Patients in Southeast Nigeria: An Exploration

Abstract

Palliative social work services are essential for addressing the complex psychosocial needs of cancer patients, particularly in resource-constrained areas like Southeast Nigeria. Despite the recognition of social work in palliative care for cancer patients, effective delivery faces significant challenges impacting both social service delivery and patient outcomes. This study investigates the provision of palliative social work services for cancer patients using in-depth interviews with 18 participants (six social workers and twelve cancer patients) from two hospitals in Southeast Nigeria. Participants were purposefully sampled based on their roles in providing or receiving palliative care support. Thematic analysis of the data revealed that social work palliative services encompass psychosocial support, spiritual guidance, and educational resources. However, social workers encounter barriers such as emotional stress, burnout, communication gaps, financial constraints, and socio-cultural factors. The study suggests that regular debriefing sessions and educational programs could improve palliative care delivery. Policy advocacy is recommended to recognize and support the pivotal role of palliative social workers in cancer care. Future research should explore innovative strategies using quantitative methods to overcome barriers and enhance palliative social work effectiveness across diverse cultural and healthcare contexts, ultimately improving social service delivery to cancer patients and advancing social service research.