Beyond Medical Care Exploring the Role of Medical Social Workers in Community-Based Palliative Care Through Case Narratives

Abstract

Palliative care is a field that extends beyond biomedical care to include psychosocial and structural dimensions of suffering. Medical social workers (MSWs) are crucial to this holistic vision, yet their practice realities are insufficiently documented, especially in India. This article presents a qualitative case study analysis of four cases based on the narratives of an experienced medical social worker in a community based palliative care setting in Kerala, India. The cases shed light on various diverse domains of MSW practice, including material assistance, caregiver crisis intervention, educational support, resource mobilization, and community based rehabilitation. Each case is analyzed through suitable theoretical frameworks, including strength based practice, crisis intervention theory, and bridging social capital. Findings from the case descriptions affirm that social workers function as facilitators, mediators and as a link between health care and community. The study underscores the crucial role of medical social workers within Kerala’s community based palliative care model and contributes to evidence based understanding of holistic care necessity in palliative care field.

Int. J. Soc. Sc. Manage. Vol. 13, Issue-2-3: 65-69.