21.3 Teaching and training in palliative social work, chaplaincy, and pharmacy

Question 1

Social workers provide care to seriously ill patients and there is evolving international recognition of the need for a specialty in palliative social work

List 3 ways in which this can be achieved

Answer 1

1. Defining core competencies to promote training and credentialing of social workers who can provide generalist or specialist level pall care interventions
2. Increased training opportunities
3. Increased integration of pall care content in didactic teaching

Question 2

What are 3 key skills of spiritual care training

Answer 2

1. reflective listening
2. unconditional acceptance
3. ability to assess and communicate spiritual needs so that other HCPs can support patient’s spiritual needs within their particular scope of practice
4. Speaking to patient/family in a non-judgmental way, even if they don’t share same beliefs or do not have regular religion affiliation

Question 3

List 3 elements of the “code of ethics” included in the competencies for chaplains

Answer 3

1. prohibits the chaplain from imposing his/her beliefs or faith system on others
2. focus on integrating spiritual care, being the spiritual care lead on the team, and completing spiritual assessment and spiritual care planning
3. management of clinical relationships
4. respect for the dignity and humanity of the patient
5. respect for diversity in religion and culture
6. advocacy for the patient

Question 4

What is the big debate/next step in palliative care chaplaincy training?

Answer 4

There is lack of a standard curriculum in training health care chaplains.

There continues to be tension in clinical pastoral education (CPE)/chaplain training between
1) chaplain discipline formation (sense of authority, personal theology, self-awareness) and
2) a more functional approach (skills, outcomes of care provided)

The Canadian Association for spiritual care is working toward standard curriculum/competencies.

Question 5

List 2 next steps in advancing palliative care education for pharmacists

Answer 5

1. Ensuring that palliative care competency is included in postgraduate residency
2. the development of more comprehensive continuing education opportunities.