Through the research I wanted to gain insight into the organization of treatment and care of the dying and their relatives in Celje region, determine the presence and organization of palliative teams, explore the understanding of the need to participate interdisciplinary in the treatment of the dying, compare medical and social work practice and check the aspect of social work on holistic model of treatment of the dying, the place of social workers in palliative care, the course of their work in this field and the need for support in their work.
The research took a mixed method approach, combining quantitative and qualitative research. Through an online questionnaire I collected quantitative data about the organization of treatment and care of the dying and their relatives in Celje region, determined the presence and organization of palliative teams and researched the understanding of the need to participate interdisciplinary in the treatment of the dying. The questionnaire was intended for healthcare employees, namely nurses and doctors, as well as social workers in the this region. Qualitative research covered only social workers, and through interviews I collected data to compare medical and social work treatment and checked the aspect of social work on an integrated or holistic model of treatment of dying, the place of social workers in working with the dying, the course of their work in this field and the need for support in their operation.
Results of the research clearly showed that nurses play a central role in caring for the dying. It has also been shown that the development of palliative care is in many cases a reflection of the commitment of certain individuals or institutions. Through palliative care, they want to achieve the best possible quality of life at that time and are aware that quality palliative care can only be provided by a team of professionals who are available and can be involved in treatment when specific needs arise. Their professional treatment improves the quality of life of the user and prevents pain and suffering. However, they acknowledge that they lack training on palliative care.
Palliative care is increasingly shifting from hospitals to retirement homes. As a result, social work is gaining more and more importance in the field of care for the dying. Social workers act as counsellors, planners, assessors, advocates, but direct counselling and direct work of social workers with the dying is rarely present. Collaborations with relatives are more common. Social workers also want more opportunities to participate in various trainings on palliative care topics. They agree that the formulation of special guidelines or recommendations for social work in the field of palliative care may be a great resource of support and help at their work and it could also more clearly outline the role of social worker.
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