Improving advance care planning outcomes through social work and provider collaboration.

Authors

null

Nicole Marcouiller

Minnesota Oncology - Maple Grove, Maple Grove, MN

Nicole Marcouiller , Debbie Dey , Lydia Mills

Organizations

Minnesota Oncology - Maple Grove, Maple Grove, MN, Maryland Oncology Hematology, Annapolis, MD, McKesson, The Woodlands, TX

Research Funding

No funding received

Background: For many patients living with a life-limiting illness, the ability to have authority in their end-of-life (EOL) decision making is a foundational aspect in achieving a peaceful passing. Literature shows, however, that a low percentage of adults in the United States have completed advance directive documents or had discussions indicating their wishes for EOL care. With their unique communication and advocacy skills, licensed masters-prepared social workers (MSWs) are primed to play an active and effective role in Advance Care Planning (ACP) discussions with patients. The purpose of this study aimed to explore the extent to which MSWs in an oncology setting are harnessing these skills. Methods: An online survey was dispersed to social workers working in outpatient oncology clinics in The US Oncology Network. The survey reviewed the level of education, licensure status, involvement and comfort with ACP discussions, and factors that would aid increased engagement of these conversations. Results: 41 out of 75 social workers completed the survey. 95% of respondents were masters prepared (MSW) and licensed at the masters (27%) or clinical (73%) level. Of these MSWs, 95% are having ACP conversations with their patients and loved ones, and 87% are initiating these discussions independently. Although 64% report that they are getting referrals from physicians in their practice, almost half (49%) indicated they would like more support from physicians around ACP conversations with patients. Per respondent comments, a need was expressed for providers to help initiate and normalize ACP discussions. It was also indicated that MSWs do not believe providers fully understand MSWs ability to engage in these discussions. Interestingly, only 10% of MSWs are billing for ACP discussions, yet 46% indicated they would be interested in doing so. Conclusions: Our results indicate there is a gap between the work MSWs are doing in the ACP space and how providers are utilizing the MSW’s clinical expertise in this area. The use of MSWs in a cancer care setting can enhance patient self-determination and documentation of wishes for EOL, as well as support multidisciplinary care of the patient. Additional benefits could include improvement of ACP quality measures, increased revenue, and provider satisfaction in knowing these sensitive conversations are being addressed by a trusted member of the healthcare team.

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Abstract Details

Meeting

2024 ASCO Quality Care Symposium

Session Type

Poster Session

Session Title

Poster Session B

Track

Health Care Access, Equity, and Disparities,Technology and Innovation in Quality of Care,Survivorship

Sub Track

Access to and Utilization of Palliative and Supportive Care

Citation

JCO Oncol Pract 20, 2024 (suppl 10; abstr 55)

DOI

10.1200/OP.2024.20.10_suppl.55

Abstract #

55

Poster Bd #

A5

Abstract Disclosures