A qualitative interpretivemeta-synthesis of social workers’ experience in end-of-life care

Dewar, Simone, Mensinga, Jo, Redman-MacLaren, Michelle, and Johns, Lise (2023) A qualitative interpretivemeta-synthesis of social workers’ experience in end-of-life care. Journal of Social Work, 23 (2). pp. 280-299.

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Abstract

Summary: Social workers are an integral part of end-of-life (EOL) care interdisciplinary services and provide comprehensive psychosocial support to dying people. However, despite the rewards, EOL care social work is wrought with challenges. There is currently limited research into the experience of EOL care social workers. Therefore, this qualitative interpretive meta-synthesis (QIMS) study examines the experience of EOL care social workers as revealed in existing literature. The QIMS methodology was used to synthesize and interpret findings from four original qualitative studies to elicit an in-depth response to the research question: What is the experience of social workers who work in EOL care?

Findings: The theme “EOL care social work is a privilege and a struggle” emerged, with six associated contributing factors: Privilege—(1) death is sacrosanct, (2) death is an opportunity for growth and healing, and (3) the religious/spiritual element of EOL care. Struggle—(1) ongoing pain and heightened emotions, (2) conflict of values, and (3) contextual challenges. This QIMS study serves as a preliminary phase to a subsequent, larger study.

Applications: This QIMS study provides a foundation for further narrative research into the experience of EOL care social workers. In addition, findings from this QIMS study highlights areas for further attention to foster the well-being of EOL care social workers. Finally, findings from this QIMS study could augment relevant EOL care content in undergraduate social work education.

Item ID: 77372
Item Type: Article (Research - C1)
ISSN: 1741-296X
Keywords: Social work, palliative care, narrative approaches, qualitative research, practioner research
Copyright Information: © The Author(s) 2023.
Date Deposited: 01 Feb 2023 02:15
FoR Codes: 44 HUMAN SOCIETY > 4409 Social work > 440901 Clinical social work practice @ 100%
SEO Codes: 23 LAW, POLITICS AND COMMUNITY SERVICES > 2301 Community services > 230199 Community services not elsewhere classified @ 100%
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