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!
