Muscat: The Sultan Qaboos Comprehensive Cancer Care and Research Centre (SQCCCRC) recently hosted a training course aimed at enhancing the skills of social workers. This initiative is part of SQCCCRC's ongoing efforts to empower social workers at the clinical level and enhance their knowledge in managing cancer patients.
The five-day course covered various topics and practical applications, including case studies, patient needs assessment, treatment plan design, professional report writing, and the development of a case management model. Professor Muhammad bin Misfer Al Qarni, an expert in clinical social work from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, conducted the course.
According to Entesar Mohammed Al Yafai, a social worker, the course plays a crucial role in improving the skills and capabilities of social workers, thereby positively impacting the quality of social care provided to cancer patients at SQCCCRC.
The workshop primarily focused on case management and assessment methodologies, as well as the delivery of accurate and effective clinical social interventions to patients. It is important to note that a four-month development program for social workers was also organized in conjunction with the commencement of patient services at SQCCCRC in 2021. The program aimed to equip social workers in the medical field with the necessary qualifications to provide clinical social care within the integrated care programs for cancer patients.
Social workers are integral members of the multidisciplinary team (MDT) responsible for delivering comprehensive care to cancer patients at SQCCCRC. They thoroughly assess the social and financial aspects of each patient's situation, providing valuable information to MDT members and exchanging recommendations to enhance patients' quality of life and overcome any obstacles that may impede their treatment and overall well-being.
The dedicated social workers at SQCCCRC are committed to assisting patients and their families in managing the stress and impact of cancer on their social connections, daily lives, and financial matters. Their primary goal is to facilitate the reintegration of survivors into society while offering unwavering support and solace to the families of patients in the advanced stages of the illness.
