The Association of Oncology Social Work’s Standards of Practice guide oncology social work practice with patients and families, colleagues, agencies and health systems, local communities, and the oncology social work profession as a whole. But to what extent are oncology social workers today enabled to work at the top of their license and best apply their knowledge, training and skill to the delivery of high-quality health care?
 
On behalf of AOSW and in collaboration with the University of Michigan School of Social Work and Rogel Cancer Center, we are currently preparing a nationwide survey of oncology social workers that will ask about the CORE of Oncology Social Work—the Competencies, Opportunities, Roles and Expertise that define oncology social work in the 21^st century. The purpose of the study is to examine the experiences of oncology social workers in the United States and the context in which they work. Findings from the survey will be used to advocate for improved work conditions (e.g., lower caseloads, clerical assistance, clinic space) and data-driven staffing standards for social work and psychosocial care service delivery. The study will also serve as a baseline for future comparisons and monitoring of workforce trends over time.
 
As consultants and members of the advisory committee overseeing the development of the survey, we’d like to express why we think this work is important.

 “In this time of healthcare transition and turbulence, it is more critical than ever that we identify core practices that highlight the “value-added” services that oncology social workers provide. Your thoughtful feedback on the AOSW CORE Survey will ensure that we capture the broad range of activities that make such a difference to the patients, families, organizations and communities that we serve.” —Shirley Otis-Green, MSW, MA, ACSW, LCSW, OSW-CE, FNAP, Collaborative Caring
 
“A social worker can positively influence the outcome of the 'medical treatment.' The CORE Survey will identify the skills needed and provided by the OSW for a truly interdisciplinary approach in the treatment of cancer.” —Donna Long, Patient Advocate, AOSW Patient-Centered Research Collaborative (PCRC)
 
 “The CORE Survey will validate the role of the Oncology Social worker as an essential part of the oncology community. It is time that we, Oncology Social workers, prove who we are. Your unique input will help to clearly define our diverse professional roles and ensure that the results of the CORE study reflect an accurate view of how we help our constituents on a micro, mezzo, and macro level.” —Makeeta Rayton, MSW, Oncology Social Work Supervisor, Georgia Cancer Center for Excellence

“It is more important than ever to explore the essential roles of oncology social work and the impact we have on patient care. The CORE survey will allow AOSW to solicit feedback from those that are in the role, and give oncology social workers a voice to tell the story of our interventions. This information gathered will build a foundation for researchers and leaders to promote opportunities for oncology social workers for years to come.” —Krista Nelson, LCSW, OSW-C, Program Manager for Quality and Research, Cancer Support Services, and Compassion, Providence Health System, Portland, OR
 
The CORE survey, coming this later this year, will be your opportunity for your experience to be counted and used to inform future educational and training initiatives and advocacy efforts on the behalf of the oncology social work profession. And for completing the survey, you will be eligible for prizes including gift cards, complimentary AOSW membership for one year, and complimentary registration for AOSW’s annual meeting in 2021! We hope to see you there!