Conference Session Recordings Available
Please note: if you registered for the 2022 AOSW Annual Conference, these recordings are already available to you in your My Learning Portal. Each recording will require an evaluation and quiz completion in order to claim CE credit. Please do not claim credit for sessions that you attended and evaluated as part of the live event.
Click below to purchase individual session recordings or click here to purchase all available recordings.
Available Recordings:
- Opening Keynote: COVID-19 Racial Inequality in Cancer Care
- Recognizing BIPOC Barriers to Care in Times of COVID-19 and Identifying Improved Access to Oncology Care
- It Starts With You: How Oncology Social Workers can Successfully Create Institutional Change and Grow Your Program
- Social Work Productivity: Using Quantitative Data To Show Qualitative Work
- Be the Calm in the Storm: Challenging Conversations: Social Workers Lead the Way
- The Hurried Life: Time May Not Be the Problem or the Solution
- Oncofertility 101: The Role of the Oncology Social Worker in Fertility Preservation
- Couples Communicating about Cancer: A Dyadic Group Aimed at Helping Couples Navigate Difficult Conversations and Improve Illness-Related Communication
- The Impact of Cancer on Patients with History of Sexual Trauma and Need for Trauma Informed Care in Oncology
- ACS Quality of Life Lecture: : The North Star of Oncology Social Work Advocacy
- But I’m Not an M.D.: Oncology Social Workers Discussing Psychopharmacology When Working with Patients
- Unleashing Your Inner Researcher: First Steps for Oncology Social Workers to Build Practice-Informed Research
- Utilization of the Intercultural Development Inventory to Enhance Multicultural Change in Oncology
- Reproductive Beliefs in the Context of Hereditary Cancer: Families with Li-Fraumeni Syndrome (LFS)
- Closing Panel: Making the Case: Advocating for Oncology Social Work Services
Schedule of Events
Title: Opening Keynote: COVID-19 Racial Inequality in Cancer Care
Presenter: Karen Bullock, PhD, LCSW, APHSW-C
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Abstract Summary:
Long-standing systemic health and social inequities have put many Black, Indigenous, Hispanic/Latino, Asian and Pacific Island populations at risk for greater morbidity and mortality than White populations, historically; and this risk has been undeniably pronounced by coronavirus. The future of oncology social work in the context of such inequities demands a call-to-action with a commitment to ethics and essential leadership on care teams, in the community and educational institutions. This Keynote discusses cultural competence as a standard of practice in the Social Work Code of Ethics and a tool for addressing disparities, breaking the silence about structural and systemic racism and promoting patient-centered care.
Learning Objectives:
1. Identify barriers and mediating factors influencing racial/ethnic inequities in cancer care.
2. Describe the importance of dismantling structural and systemic racism in serious illness care using culturally competent as a tool for developing anti-racist practices.
3. Discuss a framework for critical self-assessment, guiding principles, and strategies for establishing and re-evaluating best practices in oncology social work for eliminating healthcare inequities for individuals and families that have been historically marginalized by healthcare systems.
Course Designation: Cultural Competency
Keywords: Special Populations
Presentation Level: Intermediate
CE credits: 1.0
Title: Recognizing BIPOC Barriers to Care in Times of COVID-19 and Identifying Improved Access to Oncology Care
Presenter: Dawnica Mathis-Huff, LCSW-S; Kendolyn Shankle, LCSW; Djuana Fomby, LCSW
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Abstract Summary:
This presentation will review how COVID 19 has impacted barriers to oncology care in the BIPOC community and provide viable solutions for clinicians. The purpose is to enhance quality of care for BIPOC patients by increasing oncology social work knowledge and provide tools to implement in practice. This presentation will increase social work practitioners’ knowledge through open discussion, case studies, evidence-based dialogue, and role play to enhance necessary skills for clinicians in social work practice.
Learning Objectives:
1. Discuss barriers to care in BIPOC community.
2. Enhance cultural competencies in the BIPOC community to increase access to care.
3. Implement knowledge of social determinants of health to apply in practice and improve health outcomes in the BIPOC community.
Course Designation: Cultural Competency
Keywords: Special Populations, Clinical Practice/Skill Building
Presentation Level: Introductory
CE credits: 1.0
Title: It Starts With You: How Oncology Social Workers can Successfully Create Institutional Change and Grow Your Program
Presenter: Courtney Bitz, LCSW, OSW-C, ACHP-SW
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Abstract Summary:
The Covid pandemic and social repercussions are causing dramatic changes in healthcare. Times of disruption are opportunities for oncology social workers (OSW) to strategically impact institutional change and programmatic growth. The natural bridge from clinical skills to leadership skills is under-appreciated and yet has never been more opportune. There remains a gap in OSW education and training in learning how to be a strategic leader, influence decision makers and create meaningful change in our institutions. This presentation will focus on three OSW created programs, 1. Couples Coping with Cancer Together Program, 2. Patient and Family Goals of Care Program, and 3. Clinical Social Work Billing Program as examples of how incorporating specific strategies and leadership skills resulted in innovation, institutional change, and programmatic growth. The programs will be briefly presented with emphasis on the strategies and leadership skills that contributed to success. Examples of strategies: relentless perseverance, engaging stakeholders using the values-benefits-outcomes model and incorporating transformational language. Leadership skills consist of emotional regulation, connecting with values from diverse perspectives, building trust with stakeholders, and staying forward thinking. A staff leadership model, and strengths-based ways of working, will be introduced as an essential foundation. Additional benefits to OSW incorporating these strategies, leadership skills and staff leadership model: enhanced integration with and seen as essential to institutional priorities, a greater likelihood psychosocial services will be available to patients/families, less likely to be furloughed in times of financial institutional distress and the ability to contribute to the growth of the OSW field.
Learning Objectives:
1. Describe specific strategies and leadership skills that are key to successfully creating institutional change and programmatic growth.
2. Define a staff leadership model and strengths-based ways of working.
3. Apply specific strategies, leadership skills, staff leadership model, and strengths-based ways of working in their professional practice and institutions.
Course Designation: Clinical
Keywords: Leadership/Administration, Advocacy
Presentation Level: Intermediate
CE credits: 1.0
Title: Social Work Productivity: Using Quantitative Data To Show Qualitative Work
Presenter: Teresa van Oort, MHA, LCSW-S, OSW-C
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Abstract Summary:
This presentation will explore the development of a numerical algorithm used to monitor and track oncology social work practice productivity. The discussion will focus on the process from piloting to ultimate implementation, including the current piloting at other institutions to measure its effectiveness across the profession. The goal is to enhance social work leadership’s ability to show the work done by social work counselors in their daily practices. Through open discussion, case studies, and discussion of the potential creation of an evidence-based tool; this presentation will open a dialogue and provide necessary skills for oncology social workers to add to their practice.
Learning Objectives:
1. Discuss the history of measuring social work productivity, including current practices.
2. Recognize a new tool currently being used at MD Anderson and piloted at City of Hope.
3. Engage in a dialogue about measuring oncology social work productivity.
Course Designation: Clinical
Keywords: Leadership/Administration, Clinical Practice/Skill Building
Presentation Level: Advanced
CE credits: 1.0
Title: Be the Calm in the Storm: Challenging Conversations: Social Workers Lead the Way
Presenter: Cheryl Hughes, MSW, LCSW; Jennifer Bires, LCSW, OSW-C
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Abstract Summary:
Good communication skills are a valuable asset for oncology social workers, enabling them to build therapeutic relationships with patients, families and team members, paving the way for improved patient trust in the medical team (Markides, 2011). In addition, a demonstrated ability to communicate well is a leadership skill that is highly valued by other clinicians (Rank & Hutchison, 2000); therefore, raises the status of the oncology social worker in hospitals and cancer centers. This presentation brings together many factors that can contribute to being an expert communicator. It begins by outlining the impact of the autonomic nervous system response during challenging conversations. Knowledge of the way the human autonomic nervous system works can improve a clinician’s ability to positively influence these conversations. Sympathetic nervous system response kicks into gear when we feel threatened (even if we’re not actually being threatened). And if we are not aware – this can lead to a break down in communication. Learning how to notice this reaction and utilize relaxation skills to calm our nervous system can enable a clinician to more effectively engage in a hard conversation. It also has the added benefit of modulating the nervous system of the patients and families with whom they are meeting (Geller & Porges, 2014).
Learning Objectives:
1. Describe the physiological responses occurring in both providers and patients during challenging conversations.
2. Identify strategies to remain calm and diffuse highly emotional interactions with patients and caregivers.
3. Implement effective strategies to communicate challenging news to patients, family members and other clinicians.
Course Designation: Clinical
Keywords: Leadership/Administration, Education
Presentation Level: Introductory
CE credits: 1.0
Title: The Hurried Life: Time May Not Be the Problem or the Solution
Presenter: Debra Mattison, MSW, LMSW, ACSW, OSW-C, FAOSW
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Abstract Summary:
Oncology social work is not easy work. The pace and price of intense emotions experienced have been elevated to new heights over the last 2 years with an ongoing global pandemic, a social justice pandemic including racism, health inequities, existential fears regarding climate change and political fractures resulting in distrust and animosity in multiple relationships. We have experienced a plethora of losses, ranging from deaths of loved ones, patients, and colleagues to loss of daily routines and transitions never imagined. Many have coped by pushing harder and digging deeper. We are caught up in soul-numbing busyness–tired, worn out with a goal to just make it to the next scheduled day off. We find ourselves saying “There is just not enough time. If only we had more time.” And yet, what would we do with more time? Work more on that backlog of tasks yet undone? We frequently talk with peers about exhaustion and pressure to perform, yet have no plan to address our needs. Having more time does not address the “hurried life.” This session will explore “robbers” of time as well as strategies to stop searching for the elusive “more time” while engaging in more meaningful moments of what matters most. This session will provide didactic information while engaging in self-exploration activities to develop a personal plan to reduce the distress of a “hurried life.” These principles are easily transferrable to clinical practice applying self-learning regarding one’s “hurried life” to assisting patients with similar issues.
Learning Objectives:
1. Examine evidence-informed contributors to a “hurried life” and potential professional physical, emotional and spiritual outcomes.
2. Engage in application of interprofessional informed strategies to develop a personal plan to navigate intentional movement from an unsustainable professional “hurried life” of depletion to a busy life of meaning.
3. Identify one application of content to clinical practice with patients and families.
Course Designation: Clinical
Keywords: Self Care, Clinical Practice/Skill Building
Presentation Level: Intermediate
CE credits: 1.5
Title: Oncofertility 101: The Role of the Oncology Social Worker in Fertility Preservation
Presenter: Julia Leavitt, MSW, LCSW, OSW-C; Lauren Broschak, MSW, LCSW, OSW-C
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Abstract Summary:
Young people who are diagnosed with cancer and treated with gonadotoxic cancer therapies can have an increased risk for infertility (NCCN Guidelines, 2017). The impact of these treatments can vary from temporary infertility while on treatment or for months to years following treatment, or permanent infertility. “Cancer-related infertility is associated with long- and short-term psychological and social distress related to relationships, financial burden, complexity of fertility preservation procedures, alternate paths to parenthood, as well as concerns about patient health and the health of future or current offspring” (Canzona et al., 2019, p. 282). The standard of care, as recommended by NCCN and the ASCO Clinical Practice Guidelines in Oncology, is for the oncology team to discuss the impacts of treatment on fertility and fertility preservation options with every new patient at the time of diagnosis prior to the initiation of treatment (NCCN Guidelines, 2017; Lockart, 2019). As Oncology Social Workers, we are an essential part of the oncology team and can aid in having these discussions, offering the patients a space to process the decision before them. In this presentation, we will review the specifics of how different treatments can affect fertility, the various options for fertility preservation, how and when to have fertility conversations with our patients, and tools to bring back to your institution. We will also include interactive portions into our presentation to give you time to practice these conversations and ask questions about the information learned.
Learning Objectives:
1. Identify three developmentally appropriate oncofertility counseling techniques that can be used with all oncology patients of reproductive age.
2. Explain the options for fertility preservation available to oncology patients based on male and female biological reproductive systems.
3. Utilize this presentation to improve practitioner knowledge, be inspired to bring knowledge back to their institutions and practice Oncofertility standard of care counseling.
Course Designation: Clinical
Keywords: Specialized Needs, Adolescent and Young Adult
Presentation Level: Intermediate
CE credits: 1.5
Title: Couples Communicating about Cancer: A Dyadic Group Aimed at Helping Couples Navigate Difficult Conversations and Improve Illness-Related Communication
Presenter: Julie Ackerman, LCSW, OSW-C; Sarah Bremen, MSW
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Abstract Summary:
Communication patterns of avoidance and nondisclosure can emerge between cancer patients and their significant others, even in otherwise well-adjusted relationships (Langer et al., 2018). This can be problematic as accumulating literature suggests that effective communication is significant to the patient and partner’s adjustment to illness and their ability to cope as a couple (Baucom et al., 2012). Dyadic interventions show great promise in helping couples develop stronger communication skills and improve overall relationship functioning, in addition to reducing individual psychological distress such as anxiety and depression (Hu et al., 2019). Thus, a former psychoeducational program for couples was revitalized and turned it into an interactive, dyadic program to reinforce cancer-related, patient-partner communication. While information-based interventions are useful, professionally facilitated skills training sessions for couples have proven to be particularly effective (Regan et al., 2012). The four-week couples program focuses on key concepts such as (1) the value in seeing the cancer diagnosis as a “we” issue, (2) discovering and practicing effective communication skills, (3) understanding the importance of having difficult conversations, and (4) gaining strategies to reconnect and increase intimacy. Oncology social workers attending this workshop will leave the seminar with information about how to implement a couples program at their facility if desired. Additionally, attendees will learn about facilitating activities that address more illness-specific topics, challenge protective buffering by building healthy communication skills, and strengthen intimacy and a sense of connectedness.
Learning Objectives:
1. Discuss the benefits of implementing a dyadic intervention for couples with a focus on illness-specific communication.
2. Describe reasons why protective buffering may occur in relationships and what effect it can have on individual and relationship functioning.
3. Identify at least one activity to use with a couple who is having difficulty communicating about cancer-related feelings and/or issues.
Course Designation: Clinical
Keywords: Clinical Practice/Skill Building, Education
Presentation Level: Introductory
CE credits: 1.0
Title: The Impact of Cancer on Patients with History of Sexual Trauma and Need for Trauma Informed Care in Oncology
Presenter: Allison Moskowitz, LCSW
Abstract Summary:
Sexual assault is a pervasive issue in the United States, with current research reflecting that 1 in 5 women and 1 in 38 men are victims of a completed or attempted rape in their lifetime (Smith et al., 2018), and 47% of transgender people reporting sexual assault in their lifetime (James et al., 2016). Research has shown that cancer can trigger negative thoughts and feelings associated with the sexual trauma, and can contribute to cumulative trauma (Schnur et al., 2018). Oncology patients with a history of sexual trauma may identify feeling invaded, vulnerable and a lack of control (Schnur & Goldsmith, 2011). Examination, treatment and monitoring may also serve as a repeated trigger, especially if the cancer is that of a sexual reproductive organ. Treatment can trigger distressing memories of the abuse (Gallo-Silver & Weiner, 2006). The implementation of trauma informed care (TIC) in oncology settings would be beneficial to patients with a history of sexual trauma (Lawson & Lawson, 2018). TIC should involve practices that foster feelings of safety, support, collaboration, empowerment amongst patients (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, 2014). Thoughtful screening tools can be implemented to identify patients who have a history of sexual trauma. Identified patients should be offered support services and referrals to receive trauma treatment. Members of the oncology treatment team should be educated on how to foster a supportive provider-patient relationship. Additional gaps in assessment of trauma and unmet needs within this population will be discussed in the presentation.
Learning Objectives:
1. Summarize three ways that cancer can impact a patient with a history of sexual trauma.
2. Discuss 3 ways that trauma informed care can benefit this population.
3. Cite three ways that the interdisciplinary treatment team can provide trauma informed care.
Course Designation: Ethics
Keywords: Special Populations, Clinical Practice/Skill Building
Presentation Level: Introductory
CE credits: 1.0
Title: ACS Quality of Life Lecture: The North Star of Oncology Social Work Advocacy
Presenter: Elizabeth Franklin, PhD, MSW
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Abstract Summary:
Oncology social workers have an ethical obligation to advocate with and on behalf of their patients and their profession. This lecture will focus on that ethical responsibility as well as the history of oncology social work advocacy. Information will also be provided to attendees on how to build their personal and professional advocacy toolkit.
Learning Objectives:
1. Discuss the concept of the North star of advocacy
2. Recognize the history of social work advocacy
3. Build Oncology social work advocacy skills
Course Designation: Clinical
Level: Introductory
Keywords: Clinical Practice/Skill Building, Specialized Needs
CE Credits: 1.0
Title: But I’m Not an M.D.: Oncology Social Workers Discussing Psychopharmacology When Working with Patients
Presenter: Sara Toth, LCSW; Andrew Roth, M.D.; Dianne Mead, LCSW-R, M.A.
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Abstract Summary:
A patient’s ability to cope and function adaptively may shift, moving from diagnosis to treatment, followed by post-treatment or end of life care. Some patients experience anxiety and/or depression in ways they cannot regulate without additional support; in such cases, a patient may need to access support through both psychopharmacology and psychotherapy. Oncology Social Workers are often the first to meet with patients to discuss their psychosocial distress and anxiety. These meetings can prove to be integral in ameliorating spikes in patient’s anxiety early on and introducing psychopharmacology can be a helpful part of these conversations. This partnership between all counseling support can become a key component of cancer treatment. In this presentation, we will explore a range of stress responses ranging from ordinary to more complex, and will discuss appropriate interventions including psychoeducation, behavioral/stress reduction, and psychopharmacology. Through case examples and an in-depth review of research, we will: review how and when to refer patients for psychotropic medications; discuss promoting understanding and knowledge for oncology patients around psychopharmacology interventions; discuss talking with patients about psychopharmacology side effects; and, highlight the collaboration between prescribers and non-prescribers as an integral part of cancer care.
Learning Objectives:
1. Discuss a range of stress responses ranging from ordinary to more complex, and participants will learn appropriate interventions including psychoeducation, behavioral/stress reduction, and psychopharmacology.
2. Recognize how and when to refer patients for psychotropic medications and how to speak with patients about psychopharmacology side effects.
3. Highlight the collaboration between prescribers and non-prescribers as an integral part of cancer care. And, participants will have a better understanding and knowledge for oncology patients around psychopharmacology interventions.
Course Designation: Clinical
Keywords: Clinical Practice/Skill Building, Interdisciplinary Care
Presentation Level: Introductory
CE credits: 1.5
Title: Unleashing Your Inner Researcher: First Steps for Oncology Social Workers to Build Practice-Informed Research
Presenter: Iris Fineberg, PhD, MSW, OSW-C, FNAP, FAOSW
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Abstract Summary:
The conduct of research is a valuable mechanism for strengthening the visibility and influence of oncology social work. Clinicians may not realize that they do not need to be a Researcher to do research. Even when they have ideas about what would be interesting to explore, oncology social work practitioners may not view themselves as researchers and may not feel equipped to do research. Social workers can illuminate their unique perspectives and professional contributions to oncology care by initiating and advancing practice-informed research. Furthermore, social work priorities such as attention to culture, equity and inclusion, and dedication to underserved populations can be advanced even through small-scale research exploration in the oncology care setting. This session will guide session participants on the first steps of developing and formulating practice-informed research, taking into consideration how to approach this endeavor and what makes good research questions. Participants will work individually and in groups to develop their own research questions and consider alternatives for pursuing research in their practice setting. Participants will leave the session equipped with conceptual and concrete tools to advance their skills in social work initiated and other-led practice-informed oncology care research.
Learning Objectives:
1. Identify and apply components that make a good research question.
2. Identify alternatives for pursuing research in interprofessional oncology care practice settings.
3. Articulate how social work initiated practice-informed research reflects social work values and strengthens the field of oncology social work.
Course Designation: Clinical
Keywords: Clinical Practice/Skill Building, Research
Presentation Level: Intermediate
CE credits: 1.5
Title: Utilization of the Intercultural Development Inventory to Enhance Multicultural Change in Oncology
Presenter: Michael Burson
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Abstract Summary:
Implicit bias is known to impact both patients’ physical and mental health outcomes negatively. In oncology settings, medical providers’ implicit bias related to race impacts treatment trajectories, health outcomes, patients’ self-efficacy, patients’ quality of life, and overall patient experiences. As such, direct interventions related to decreasing oncology providers’ implicit biases and improving cultural competencies are crucial to eliminating the health disparities seen for BIPOC people and people with other marginalized identities. Social workers are often a driving force in cultural change and programs focused on positive change are often needed in oncology settings. This presentation explores a midwestern U.S. regional cancer center’s utilization of the Intercultural Development Inventory (IDI) with providers as part of a social work-led interdisciplinary program to improve multicultural competency and decrease implicit bias in this facility. We will explore the crucial role social work played in development of this program, how the IDI was implemented as part of the program, barriers to implementation, and lessons learned. As well as directions for future use of the IDI as part of a larger social justice and multicultural education platform with oncology social workers in primary roles. This presentation will focus on the utilization of the IDI broadly in oncology settings and more specifically provide considerations for implementing multicultural interventions in the Midwest.
Learning Objectives:
1. Describe the impact medical providers’ implicit bias can have on oncology patients, particularly those patients facing larger systemic health care disparities.
2. Define the IDI, barriers related to implementing the IDI, solutions to those barriers and potential directions for future use of the IDI in oncology settings.
3. Recognize the crucial role of social work in social justice and cultural change programs in oncology settings.
Course Designation: Cultural Competency
Keywords: Leadership/Administration, Advocacy
Presentation Level: Intermediate
CE credits: 1.0
Title: Reproductive Beliefs in the Context of Hereditary Cancer: Families with Li-Fraumeni Syndrome (LFS)
Presenter: Catherine Wilsnack, MSW, LMSW
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Abstract Summary:
Background: Hereditary cancer syndromes present novel challenges for individuals and families as they consider family formation. For many such syndromes, cancer risk is elevated substantially due to a heritable genetic mutation, or pathogenic variant. This presentation will use Li-Fraumeni Syndrome (LFS) as an example with the aim of distinguishing unique reproductive risks for various hereditary cancer syndromes and describing reproductive beliefs within multigenerational family units in which at least one member had LFS. Methods:Forty-five families enrolled in the National Cancer Institute Li-Fraumeni Family Study completed 66 family group interviews. An interdisciplinary team constructed a thematic codebook of inductive and deductive codes using interpretive description and modified ground theory, then implemented a framework method to organize themes. Results: Across LFS family groups, participants described three themes that informed their reproductive beliefs, including: 1) moral challenges, 2) religious challenges, and 3) health concerns. Participants described varied degrees of tension between moral and religious principles prohibiting interference with conventional conception and a potent obligation to minimize cancer risk for future generations. Additionally, individuals’ personal cancer history created worry regarding cancer reoccurrence due to becoming pregnant. Conclusions/Implications: Family systems research in the context of hereditary cancer can offer insight into factors related to reproductive beliefs. Given the hereditary nature of genetic cancer syndromes, reproductive decision-making is complex and may involve multiple family members with disparate opinions as they share common concerns. Reproductive care guidelines specific to different hereditary cancer syndromes warrant consideration to enhance informed decision-making and patient engagement in important health-related choices.
Learning Objectives:
1. Discuss common inherited cancer predisposition syndromes and classify them by lifetime cancer risk estimates and options for prevention and early detection.
2. Differentiate the impact of reproductive beliefs on medical versus psychosocial outcomes in individuals with genetic predispositions to cancer, using Li-Fraumeni Syndrome (LFS) as an example.
3. Identify family formation challenges, such as reproductive options and their limitations, and will recognize the value of interprofessional collaboration in addressing the multifaceted reproductive health and mental health needs of individuals and families living with hereditary cancer syndromes.
Course Designation: Clinical
Keywords: Disease Type (ovarian, lung, GYN, etc.), Special Populations
Presentation Level: Intermediate
CE credits: 1.0
Title: Closing Panel: Making the Case: Advocating for Oncology Social Work Services
Presenter: Krista Nelson, LCSW OSW-C FAOSW; Jennifer Bires, LCSW OSW-C; Courtney Bitz, LCSW, OSW-C, ACHP-SW; Shirley Otis-Green, ACSW LCSW OSW-C FNAP FAOSW; Brad Zebrack, PhD, MSW, MPH, FAOSW; Barbara Jones, PhD, MSW FANP; Vicki Kennedy, MSW
Abstract Summary:
Oncology social workers are essential for a cancer program to meet the Institute for Healthcare Improvement’s Triple Aim: (1) the provision of evidence-based services that improve patient/family/population outcomes; (2) the improvement of patient and provider satisfaction; (3) the reduction of unnecessary utilization and costs3—and in meeting the additional imperative (i.e., the Quadruple Aim) to (4) enhance the well-being of providers in the delivery of quality care.4 Oncology social workers’ interventions increase patient satisfaction, improve efficiencies, and lessen the burden on physicians and healthcare teams by allowing them to do what they do best, administer innovative medical treatment to more patients.5 Evidence supports that the diagnosis and treatment of cancer results in biopsychosocial-spiritual distress. Research finds that, at a minimum, 30 percent of all newly diagnosed patients with cancer are identified as clinically distressed to the point of requiring psychosocial intervention.6,7.8 Failure to attend to these concerns impacts outcomes, costs, system utilization, and increases moral distress for patients, families, and staff. Despite this, few cancer programs report sufficient oncology social work staffing to meet these critical needs. This expert panel will define the value of oncology social work and provide a written business case developed with the Association of Community Cancer Centers. Together we will discuss the complexity and nuances of funding (including billing) of social work services and inform social workers of how their work supports the triple aim and how to advocate for adequate staffing. Benchmarking results from an ACCC survey of OSW Staffing will be discussed.
Learning Objectives:
1. Define and articulate the value of the oncology social work role within the cancer care team from a business perspective.
2. Evaluate the complexity and nuances of funding (including billing) of social work services.
3. Demonstrate the essential nature of oncology social work and how this work helps meet the triple aim and accreditation.
Course Designation: Clinical
Keywords: Leadership/Administration, Advocacy
Presentation Level: Intermediate
CE credits: 1.5