Social work with family members of children with cancer

Abstract

The objective of this study is to investigate the role of the social worker in relation to children receiving paediatric care and their family members. A series of semi – structured interviews with ten family members of children with cancer were held. The qualitative data was analysed using thematic analysis. This study indicates that families who have a child going through paediatric care would normally be provided with the service of a psychologist from Rainbow Ward, Mater Dei Hospital. It was also found that the sense of stigma associated with the use of the service of a social worker may make it even more difficult for certain individuals going through treatment to feel comfortable with a social worker. One example of the group reluctant to draw on the services of a social worker was single parents. None the less all agreed that the service of a social worker would be of help in their situation. The following are the things that the family members would expect of the social worker: 1. Someone to talk to and someone to listen to you, 2. Having someone to cry with, 3. Someone who provides resources and who acts as a broker, 4. Someone who is willing provide support, 5. Someone to connect with the sick children through play and 6. Helping the siblings of sick children This study concludes that the service of a professional social worker with family members and children going through cancer treatment would be helpful and useful. All participants would be willing to use such a service if it were provided to them. It is hoped that this study would increase awareness on the importance of a professional social worker in the field of paediatric care, mainly when dealing with children going through cancer treatment.