Objective: The poster will create awareness as well as describe the role and the value of social work in improving comprehensive Parkinson’s care for patients and families.

Background: The social work role when working with people with Parkinson’s Disease varies greatly and is dependent upon the needs of patients/families, resources available and the setting of care delivery.  Regardless of the social work task performed, social workers significantly impact quality of life for patients/families through out the disease continuum from diagnosis to end of life. 

Methods: Drawing on a review of the literature, data from the National Parkinson Foundation Parkinsons’s Outcome Project and from social workers in Canada and the United States, information was compiled detailing the role of social work in the delivery of Parkinson’s disease care.

Results:  

Social work clinicians are trained to assess the biopsychosocial  needs of the patient and family and to provide a range of support interventions, including resource referral, disease education, care coordination and supportive counseling to improve emotional adaptation, functioning, safety and quality of life. Social workers work with multi and interdisciplinary teams to help ensure communication between medical staff, patient, family and community.  Social workers also help connect patients to appropriate community based wellness opportunities including support groups and play a critical role in palliative care/end of life issues. 

Conclusions: Further research is needed to clarify and develop the evidence base related to the role and value of social work in comprehensive Parkinson’s care. The development of best practice guidelines for social workers in Parkinson’s care is also recommended. 

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MDS Abstracts - https://www.mdsabstracts.org/abstract/the-role-of-social-work-in-improving-comprehensive-care-for-parkinsons-disease/