Social Work Services

Social work services at UPMC Cancer Centers are provided by oncology social workers and include individual, family and group counseling, education, advocacy, discharge planning, case management and program development. These services are designed to maximize the patient's utilization of the health care system, foster coping and access community resources in order to support optimal functioning.

Social work services are available to patients and families throughout all phases of the cancer continuum, including prevention, diagnosis, treatment, survivorship, terminal care and bereavement. Oncology social workers provide the following clinical and program-related services:

• completion of a psychosocial assessment of the patient's and family's response to the cancer diagnosis
• utilization of high-risk screening criteria for case-finding and outreach activities
• utilization of a wide range of clinical interventions designed to address current and/or future problems as the patient's medical and psychosocial needs evolve
• development of a plan of treatment with the patient and family based on mutually agreed-upon goals
• organization and facilitation of patient and family education
• collaboration with other disciplines in the planning and provision of services to cancer patients and their families
• advocacy for and protection of patients' dignity, confidentiality, rights and access to care
• maintenance of knowledge of community resources and governmental programs available from local and national health and welfare agencies.

The focus of care may relate to the following:

• adjusting to the emotional impact of a cancer diagnosis
• realigning family roles
• coping with chronic illness
• stress management
• communicating with children about cancer
• adjusting to changes in self-image and sexuality
• learning to negotiate the complexities of the health care system
• managing financial and insurance concerns
• returning to the workplace
• planning for care after hospitalization
• coping with bereavement.

Oncology social workers also offer a number of support/educational groups to patients with cancer and their family members.

Additional responsibilities and activities outside the realm of direct patient care include:

• providing education and consultation to other disciplines, students and volunteers
• coordinating and presenting professional and community education programs
• developing and conducting quality improvement studies
• serving as consultants to organizations on both regional and national levels
• providing consultation and volunteer services to voluntary health organizations and community agencies.

More information:

• Frequently Asked Questions
• Contact Us

For more information about any of the services available at UPMC Cancer Centers, please call the UPMC Cancer Centers Information and Referral Service at 412-647-2811 or send us an e-mail via "Ask a Question Online."

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