I do count : social work with carers of terminally ill persons with cancer

Abstract

Most of the foreign and local literature on terminal illness focused primarily on the medical profession and the terminal patients while neglecting social work and the carers of the terminally ill persons. On the other hand in Malta, the only non governmental organisation, The Malta Hospice Movement, and most of the hospitals offer support within a multi disciplinary team to the mentioned carers. The aim of this research study was to explore social work with carers of terminally ill persons with cancer while at the same time see if there is something else the carers would like from the social worker. To fulfil this research aim a qualitative approach was applied. Four social workers and six carers who are still taking care of or are recently bereaved were recruited for in-depth interviews that were conducted during October and November 2007. To collect data, a semi-structured interview, using an interview guide approach was utilised. For data analysis thematic analysis was used, based on transcriptions and translations of the interview content. The findings of this study demonstrated amongst other things, the shock experienced when the diagnosis is made, the changing roles within the family, the change in social life, the importance of the social worker and the fact that the work of the social worker with the carer was sufficient because they reported that they did not need anything other than what they have already received.