Perceptions of Preparedness to Assist Elders with End-of-Life Care Preferences

Abstract

Using a systematic sample of Florida licensed clinical social workers (N = 272), this study found that respondents perceived themselves capable of assisting elders with end-of-life care decisions and considered themselves moderately knowledgeable of resources available to elder clients. Respondents indicated slightly positive attitudes for work with elders and elders with Alzheimer's disease, and most respondents believed that elders should have the right of physician-assisted suicide. Using multivariate analysis, four predictor variables were identified that account for 61.3% of the adjusted variance of the dependent variable of preparedness to assist elders with end-of-life care preferences. These predictor variables were (a) knowledge of resources available to elders, (b) desirability of working with elders, (c) desirability of working with elders with Alzheimer's disease, and (d) attitude toward assisted suicide.

Interdisciplinary Perceptions of the Social Work Role in Hospice: Building Upon the Classic Kulys and Davis Study

“…Research has begun to reflect changes in the field; for example, a study which documented a moderate (as opposed to previous minimal) level of educational preparedness of social workers to assist elders with end-of-life care preferences (Kane, Hamlin, & Hawkins, 2005). And in 2005, in proposing new hospice conditions of participation, the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services reflected awareness of the importance of social work services to hospice outcomes, referring to Reese & Raymer's (2004) finding that MSW-prepared social workers have better service outcomes.…”

Dying old in the 21st century

“…Yet despite some arguments that social workers have actively engaged with all aspects of end-of-life decision-making (Hobart, 2001), most commentators identify a reticence. Recent work in the USA has served to confirm that social workers potentially have the skills, but that a number of variables (including individual knowledge and experience, deficits in training received) continue to inhibit their assuming this role (Kane et al, 2005).…”

Amicus Curiae Brief for the United States Supreme Court on Mental Health, Terminal Illness, and Assisted Death

“…The clearest example of this is that the social worker is a very visible and critical team player in hospice care. Although social work is not specifically mentioned in Oregon's law, social workers interface with terminally ill individuals and their families who choose this option in multiple ways and in various health settings (Csikai, 1999(Csikai, , 2004Kane, Hamlin, & Hawkins, 2005;Mesler & Miller, 2000;Miller & Hedlund, 2005;Van Loon, 1999). A study is currently underway to determine the extent of social work involvement with terminally ill persons enrolled in hospice who consider Oregon's law, with a specific focus on the process of teamwork and care plans.…”