About

The Palliative-SW Blog is about keeping abreast of news and advancements for social workers in the field of palliative and end-of-life care. But first, some clarification of what it’s really about: quality of life.

Palliative care

is about planning, informed decision making, and providing relief from life-limiting illnesses. The word palliation means to relieve symptoms. Anyone can receive palliative care at any point in their life which may or may not include aggressive treatment of disease.

Hospice care

whether in the home or in a facility, is specialized care for dying patients when doctors determine that regular medical treatment is not beneficial. One could say that all hospice patients are receiving some form of palliative care.

The team

Both types of care often are best when used with a multidisciplinary approach. Doctors, nurses, and social workers can specialize in hospice & palliative care. Other health and mental health professionals may be on the palliative care team, including chaplains, massage therapists, and pharmacists.

All of these professionals may play some role in providing relief, whether it be through medical treatment, the communication of information, assistance with difficult decision-making, emotional or spiritual support, or guidance through the healthcare system.

The blog

The Palliative-SW Blog is created and maintained by the Social Work Hospice & Palliative Care Network (SWHPN), a 501c3 non-profit organization founded in 2007 as the first social work organization in end-of-life and palliative care. Use the contact form for inquiring about blog sponsorship opportunities.