Preparation for oncology settings: What hospice social workers say they need

According to recent data, 78 percent of hospice social workers' direct prac tice hours are spent with patients and families diagnosed with terminal can cer A national sample of 108 hospice social workers participated in an expl oratory study investigating the influence of their formal academic training , informal on-the-job training and related professional and personal experi ences on their preparation for oncology social work. Findings suggest that social workers view both the generalist or core courses as well as the spec ialist and elective courses as important in preparing them for oncology soc ial work. In addition, on-the-job training focusing on medical terminology interdisciplinary collaboration, death and dying, and the integration of pe rsonal experiences are important for continuing growth and success in this work. Implications for social work practice, research, and formal and infor mal educational opportunities are discussed.