AOSW Connections
Ambulatory Care/Fee-for-Service SIG: Emergence of Ambulatory Care in Oncology Settings
Advancements in technology have allowed the delivery of cancer care to be flexible, portable and away from the hospital. Procedures and treatments that were once done only on an inpatient basis have drastically increased the use of ambulatory care. The role of oncology social workers in these ambulatory settings is to navigate patients throughout their entire continuum of care. In outpatient settings, screening and assessment by health practitioners can help “increase the awareness of psychosocial and environmental issues that affect a patient’s diagnosis and lead to effective early interventions” (Berkman, 2001, p. 548).
What Does This Mean For Us?
The presence of oncology social workers in primary care outpatient settings provides several therapeutic benefits to patients and physicians. With the primary goal of improving a patient’s quality of life, psychosocial support and information regarding the patient’s social concerns allows the physician to provide comprehensive care. And the physician can reap the benefit of having the support of a social worker’s skills when a patient’s presenting physical symptoms are secondary to social and emotional issues. In addition to the services provided by oncology social workers in outpatient settings, often times there are other support avenues available to aid in the quality of care such as outreach and wellness programs, health satellite clinics and mental health services. Oncology social workers must now think of restructuring their services within the continuum of care and offer services that are oriented toward the goals of prevention and overall health promotion.
Our Ambulatory Care/ Fee-for-Service SIG
As a means to address the issues within outpatient oncology settings, the Ambulatory Care/Fee-for-Service SIG serves as a great source of support to all AOSW members active in outpatient departments. As I introduce myself as the new SIG Leader, my hope is to aid the facilitation of great conversation among all members of this SIG. I am extremely excited to have the opportunity to inspire and provide a supportive platform for AOSW members working within ambulatory settings. If you are interested in learning and/or participating in this SIG, I strongly encourage you to sign up!
About the Author
Brittany Moore-Nwachuku, EdD, LCSW, LISW, OSW-C
Assistant Professor of Social WorkAlliant International University
Dr. Brittany Nwachuku is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), Licensed Independent Social Worker (LISW-S), Board-Certified Oncology Social Worker (OSW-C), and Qualified Administrator (QA) of the Intercultural Development Inventory (IDI). Dr. ...
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Brittany Moore-Nwachuku, EdD, LCSW, LISW, OSW-C
Assistant Professor of Social WorkAlliant International University
Dr. Brittany Nwachuku is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), Licensed Independent Social Worker (LISW-S), Board-Certified Oncology Social Worker (OSW-C), and Qualified Administrator (QA) of the Intercultural Development Inventory (IDI). Dr. Nwachuku received her Doctor of Education degree from the University of Pittsburgh and Bachelor of Social Work and Master of Social Work degrees from the University of Louisville’s Raymond A. Kent School of Social Work. She has numerous years of experience in medical and mental health settings. Dr. Nwachuku’s clinical experience of working with diverse populations includes, juvenile probation, foster care youth, school social work, private practice, and oncology healthcare settings. In addition, she has provided clinical and administrative supervision to social work students, interns, and professionals, while facilitating a wide range of cancer support groups, educational lectures, and professional development to staff on best practices for diverse and underserved patient populations. Presently, Dr. Nwachuku is an Assistant Professor of Social Work at Alliant International University. She serves as a member of the Ethics Committee for the National Association of Social Workers Ohio Chapter (NASW-OH) and the President-Elect for the Association of Oncology Social Workers (AOSW). Her research specialties include equity and inclusion, psychosocial oncology care, grief and bereavement, and women's health disparities.
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