Thirteenth International Conference on Health, Wellness & Society

Abstract

Social work assessment in an oncology setting for clinical trial enrolment and toxicity monitoring has proven invaluable. Two studies explored the value of social work assessment regarding toxicity monitoring. Study 1, a retrospective analysis, considered referrals made over two years and identified the value of social work assessment for clinical trial enrolment and study 2, an intervention research study, explored and compared social work assessment and intervention practices with a standardised ecometric personal multi-screening inventory (PMSI) scale and symptom checker. The population for the two studies were 186 and 46 clients respectively. Results from both studies highlight the fundamental value of social work assessment but also barriers to clinical trial enrolment and toxicity monitoring. The tools used also had their value and in particular, the symptom checker was useful to address client discomfort. Further, the PMSI scale identified coping strategies and emphasized clients with effective coping strategies as having optimal functioning. The social work assessment contradicted this finding, and these clients were less compliant. A negative correlation was also evident considering reported PMSI’s high scores for spirituality and sexual satisfaction and compliance. Individuals with higher educational levels and income were also non-compliant. Clients with fluctuating and ineffective coping strategies as indicated by the PMSI indicated greater compliance with treatment. The human element is a factor in both the self-administered tools and scales and the skill of the social worker.