title: Educational needs of hospice social workers: spiritual assessment and interventions with diverse populations.
abstract: Based on a national survey, this study analyzes the roles and educational needs of hospice social workers regarding assessment and intervention in spirituality, religion, and diversity of their patients. Sixty-two social workers responded to the survey. Results suggest that spiritual care is shared among hospice team members and that most social workers feel comfortable in addressing these issues. However, role conflict and role ambiguity also exist. Respondents to the survey often felt ill-prepared to deal with some complex faith-based conflicts related to diversity. They saw themselves in need of assessment models and end-of-life decision-making interventions regarding assisted suicide and euthanasia. This study provides recommendations for social work practice, education, and research.
authors.affiliation: Department of Social Work, Southern Illinois University, Edwardsville, Illinois, USA.
authors.forename: Carol
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Wesley
authors.forename: Kathleen
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Tunney
authors.forename: Ella
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Duncan
mesh_terms: D002983:Clinical Competence; D018864:Cultural Diversity; D004496:Education, Continuing / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D005260:Female; D019538:Health Care Surveys; D017051:Hospice Care / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D020380:Needs Assessment; D024382:Professional Role; D012068:Religion and Medicine; D012947:Social Work / Q000193:education* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D029181:Spirituality; D014481:United States