A study of medical social workers working with pediatric patient at terminal stage and their family on death preparation

• Main Authors: Wan-Yu Wu, 吳宛育
• Other Authors: Shuyuan Wang
• Format: Others
• Language: zh-TW
• Published: 2011
• Online Access: http://ndltd.ncl.edu.tw/handle/11331863255121760090

碩士 === 國立暨南國際大學 === 社會政策與社會工作學系 === 99 === The percentage of children with cancer receiving medical treatment is low. This is because most die in ICU. It also means that most parents unprepared to deal with the loss of their child. Most children receive active treatment. A Social Worker is involved from the initial diagnosis through to the child’s death. This research involves four participants. It will also deal with the four stages a family must go through when confronting the reality of a child with terminal cancer. The four stages are; preparations before death, the actual death, memorial services, and the emotional difficulty that social workers have to deal with. 1. Preparation before death： Build a team to assist the child’ family.、The Social Worker can help deal with the many emotions surrounding the parents and siblings、The Social Worker can help the family face the reality of death、social support 2. Facing Death： The social Worker must provide positive support for the family. This support can take the form of assisting with the practical considerations of funeral arrangements and the issues surrounding these issues. Social Workers can also assist the parents to say “good bye” to their child in a positive and supportive way. 3. Memorial Service： The Social Worker should attend the child’s funeral/memorial service and provide consultation and care following the service. 4. The emotional difficulty that social workers have to deal with. In conclusion, according to the research, suggestions for Social Workers to hospitals, schools, and foundations to assist them in dealing with the families of children with cancer.