Purpose: Limited research and literature in end of life care within social work has indicated that health care social workers are not as prepared as they need to be or would like to be in working with end-of-life care issues in practice (Christ & Sormanti 1999; Author(s), 2000; Author(s), 1999; Author(s), 2000; Kovacs & Bronstein, 1999). In response, a data-driven continuing education end-of-life care social work curriculum was developed, pilot-tested, and evaluated.

Methods: A mailed survey of social work members of several health care social work professional organizations (N=391) examined educational preparation received, perceptions of content and skills needed for competence in practice with end-of-life care situations. After the curriculum delivery in a day-long pre-conference session at the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization Conference in April, 2003, multiple evaluation methods were utilized: pre-tests/post-tests, course evaluations, and a focus group.

Results: Based on the greatest content and skills needs identified, the curriculum included: social work role/values important in end-of-life care, psychosocial assessment, family conferencing, crisis intervention, cognitive-behavioral intervention, grief/bereavement, ethical issues, spirituality, cultural differences, secondary trauma, and self-care. Pre-tests indicated moderate comfort with end-of-life care issues. Post-tests revealed that overall, delivery was effective. According to course evaluations attendees’ needs were well met in several areas including social work values (M=4.24, SD=.66; 5-point likert-type scale 1 did not meet needs to 5 greatly met needs), social work roles (4.21, SD=.72), and family conferences (M=4.17, SD=.72). Attendees recommended a 2-day format, continued use of team presentation format, increased ethical content, and more time for discussion.

Implications for Practice: This first data-driven curriculum is aimed toward increasing  competence of social workers in practice with end-of-life care issues. Collaboration with social work health care professional organizations took place in every step of the process and has important implications for ensuring curriculum support in its wider dissemination.

References
Christ, G. H., & Sormanti, M. (1999). Advancing social work practice in end-of-life care.  Social Work in Health Care, 30(2), 81-99.
Author(s)(in press). Social workers’ participation in the resolution of ethical dilemmas in hospice care.  Health & Social Work.
Author(s)(1999). Hospital social workers’ attitudes toward euthanasia and assisted suicide.     Social Work in Health Care, 30(1), 51-73.
Author(s)(2000). Health care social workers’ views of ethical issues, practice, and policy in end-of-life care. Social Work in Health Care 32(2), 1-22.
Kovacs, P., Bronstein, L. (1999). Preparation for oncology settings: What hospice social workers say they need. Health & Social Work, 24(1) 57-64.