RT info:eu-repo/semantics/article
T1 Social work at the end of life: Humanization of the process
A1 Prieto-Lobato, Juan Mª
A1 De la Rosa-Gimeno, Pablo
A1 Rodríguez-Sumaza, Carmen
A1 Marquina-Márquez, Alfonso
A1 Lucas-García, Jezabel A
K1 Producción científica
K1 Trabajo Social
K1 Cuidados al final de la vida
K1 Humanización
K1 5309.08 Trabajo Social y Servicios Sociales
K1 6310.09 Calidad de Vida
AB SummaryThis article examines the role of social workers involved in a pilot home care project undertaken to attend to the social needs of people at the end of their lives and their carers. Mixed methods approach and evidence-based, constructivist, and comprehensive evaluation were chosen to achieve this aim. Analyses are based on 235 responses from a survey addressed to professionals working in the project, 22 in-depth interviews with a selected group of these professionals, and 114 semi-structured interviews with the sick people and their caregivers. The analysis of the data has considered the theoretical development and professional experience systematized in the Spanish and international literature on social work in end-of-life care.FindingsThe results highlight the relevance that professionals, patients, and carers attribute to social care at the end of life and to the role, skills, and qualities of social workers. Their contribution has been valued in terms of the management of services and supports (speed, availability, kindness, sensitivity), the establishment of teamwork (coordination, facilitation), and the recognition of the basic principles of the care process (individualization, respect for privacy, confidentiality).ApplicationsFindings demonstrate that social work is a profession well placed to help in the recognition of people's dignity at the end of life, in the exercise of their self-determination, and in the humanization of the care process. Some challenges facing consolidation of this professional practice are also indicated within a framework constrained by a predominantly biomedical culture.
PB Sage Journals
SN 1468-0173
YR 2023
FD 2023
LK https://uvadoc.uva.es/handle/10324/81573
UL https://uvadoc.uva.es/handle/10324/81573
LA spa
NO Prieto-Lobato, J. M., De la Rosa-Gimeno, P., Rodríguez-Sumaza, C., Marquina-Márquez, A., & Lucas-García, J. A. (2023). Social work at the end of life: Humanization of the process. Journal of Social Work, 24(2), 240-258. https://doi.org/10.1177/14680173231206713 (Original work published 2024)
NO Producción Científica
DS UVaDOC
RD 13-feb-2026