Psychosocial Oncology and Palliative Care

Social Work

POPC Overview | Our Team

Oncology social workers are an integral part of Psychosocial Oncology and Palliative Care (POPC) at Princess Margaret Hospital (PMH). Oncology social work is the professional discipline that provides social work services to patients and their families facing the impact of a diagnosis of cancer. The scope of oncology social work includes clinical practice, program planning, education and research.
Oncology social workers provide psychosocial services throughout the range of care (i.e., at diagnosis, during treatment both inpatient and outpatient, at recurrence, or at the end of life). These services can include:

• Assessment - identify stressors which impact patient and family coping and/or adjustment
  
• Counselling
  • reduction of emotional distress through individual, family and group counselling
  • interventions based on a range of theoretical approaches (cognitive-behavioral, systems, task-centered, role, crisis, existential, problem-solving, brief solution-focused, narrative, conflict resolution, communication) to reduce stress, improve coping skills, and increase patient/family control
  • problem-solving regarding: family coping, job-related issues, practical concerns, financial concerns, adaptation to the healthcare system, and changes in patient functional level
    
• Discharge Planning - complex discharge planning and arrangements for transfer to ALC placements (i.e., palliative care, rehabilitation, long-term care, continuing complex care)
  
• Patient Education
  • information and referral regarding hospital and community resources
  • reinforcement of information regarding the effects of disease, illness and treatment
  • facilitation of psychoeducational groups
    
• Advocacy - assistance with navigating complex health systems and identification and reduction of barriers to recommended care and services

Resource Counselling
Social workers can help guide you through important decisions and practical concerns. We can help you find and arrange needed services in the hospital and the community.

Information and Community Resources
There are various supports available to you and your family. The following is a list of services and information commonly requested by patients and families at Princess Margaret Hospital.

1. Cancer Support Services
2. Childcare Services
3. Community Health Services
4. Community Information Centres
5. Community Resource Lists
6. Drug Coverage Programs
7. Financial Services and Programs
8. Home Support Services and Programs
9. Temporary Accommodation and Alternative Level of Care Housing
10. Palliative Care Services
11. Power of Attorney and Living Wills
12. Transportation Services

Should you require additional support and/or have questions or concerns, please contact us by telephone at (416) 946-4525, by fax at (416) 946-2047, or by email at pop@uhn.on.ca.