Role of a Medical Social Worker in Improving Quality of Life for Patients with Advanced Cancer with a Structured Multidisciplinary Intervention

Abstract

Background: Patients with advanced cancer face multiple challenges to their quality of life (QOL). The goal of this study was to investigate the impact of participation in a multidisciplinary intervention, including a social service component, on improving the QOL of patients with advanced cancer undergoing radiation therapy. Design: A total of 115 participants with newly diagnosed advanced stage cancer, who were receiving radiation therapy, were randomly assigned to either participate in an 8-session structured multidisciplinary intervention or to receive standard care. Each 90-minute session was led by either a psychologist or psychiatrist and co-led with a nurse, physical therapist, chaplain, and/or social worker. The sessions were designed to address the domains that impact QOL: emotional, spiritual, physical, and social domains (support, community resources, financial and legal issues, and advance directives). QOL was assessed, at baseline, 4 (end of treatment), 8 and 27 weeks. The primary e...