The impact of COVID-19 on the professional and personal lives of pediatric oncology social workers

Abstract

Purpose: Describe the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the work structure, daily care provided, personal lives, and practice models for pediatric oncology social workers (POSW). Research Approach: Cross-sectional online survey on APOSW professional listserv from 10/5/2020 to 11/20/2020. Sample: 101 surveys were completed by POSW from 31 states and the District of Columbia. Methods: Data were summarized descriptively and with semantic content analyses. Findings: Surveys were completed by social workers from diverse work settings. Seventy-five percent of social workers were deemed "essential," and 45% reported working primarily from home. Most (56%) adopted a form of telehealth for patient care, although 71% did not receive telehealth training and 87% perceived lesser quality of care with telehealth. Nearly 80% of respondents reported not being able to provide optimum psychosocial care. Notable stressors on social work practice included worry about exposure to COVID-19, limited resources, lack of contact with and increased emotional needs of patients and families, managing patient and family concerns about COVID-19, and isolation from colleagues. Inequity and social justice issues were identified. Despite challenges, over 60% of POSW endorsed positive changes to their work life resulting from the pandemic. Conclusions/Interpretation: As the COVID-19 pandemic persists, POSW have adapted to a changing work environment, different modes of service provision, and stark health inequities to meet the needs of patients and families in a crisis. Implications for Psychosocial Providers: COVID-19 vastly impacted the personal and professional lives of POSW, warranting attentiveness to lessons learned and future directions.

The impact of COVID-19 on cancer patients, their carers and oncology health professionals: A qualitative study

“…Over 2020 and 2021, reports emerged on the impact of COVID-19 on cancer patients and HPs [8] , [10] , [11] , [12] . Very few focused on carers.…”

Childhood Cancer and the Family: A Pilot Proposal for Comprehensive Intervention at the Time of Diagnosis

“…On the other hand, if they persist and affect the normal functioning of the family or any of its members, the psychosocial approach must be modified. Some of the emotional consequences of the diagnosis will not disappear during the disease course, nor in moments after recovery, such as fear of relapse [ 5 , 6 , 12 , 26 ]. These should be considered when intervening and communicating with families in order to avoid problems such as a hostile environment, tyranny on the part of the sick, transferring fears to children, lack of confidence or limiting activities [ 24 ].…”

“…This approach can be provided by social work, which can contribute interesting results for the professionals involved in dealing with childhood cancer and its effects on patients and their families [ 2 , 4 ]. In this sense, within USA and Canada, through the Association of Pediatric Oncology Social Workers (APOSW), important efforts are underway at international level in the creation of protocols and standards of this type [ 4 , 5 , 6 ]. Despite the progress they represent, some studies on these standards have detected deficits in their implementation, such as the lack of staff, the difficulty of access to mental health, the lack of standardized and universal diagnostic and assessment tools, or the need for support for professionals, patients and families, especially in situations that arise from COVID-19 [ 5 , 6 ].…”

“…Some of these issues are part of the functions of the onco-pediatric social worker [ 5 , 6 , 11 ], allowing a greater understanding of the situation, promoting comprehensive and person-centered care as an opportunity for empowerment. In addition, care must be comprehensive and interdisciplinary, addressing the needs that may arise in patients and their environment from all areas affected, all with the aim of improving the well-being of the person and their environment and minimizing the bio-psychological and socio-economic consequences of the disease [ 12 ].…”

“…In view of the role and functions of the onco-pediatric social worker and the limitations detected in research in this field [ 5 , 6 ], it seems necessary to seek criteria of quality and care applicable to social intervention at the time of diagnosis of childhood cancer. To this end, our general objective is to elaborate a pilot intervention protocol for the comprehensive care of families of children with cancer at the time of diagnosis in Aragon (Spain).…”