Psychological Stress Facing Hospitalized Cancer Patients and the Role of the Clinical Social Worker in Alleviating It A theoretical review supported by cancer patient statistics at King Abdullah Medical City in Makkah

Abstract

This study aims to identify the psychological pressures faced by cancer patients and highlight the role of social workers in alleviating them. It also sheds light on the dimensions of psychological pressures and problems suffered by patients, such as fear, anxiety, and depression, as well as the impact of these pressures on health, psychological conditions, and patients' responses to treatment. Furthermore, it clarifies the role of the social worker within a multidisciplinary team through the professional interventions they provide, such as psychological support, facilitating communication between the patient and the medical team, and providing family counseling. Additionally, it outlines their role as a facilitator, advisor, enabler, and organizer in the treatment plan procedures. Based on the analysis of previous studies and literary writings, the study employs a descriptive approach, relying on library reading and analysis of previous studies and scientific references related to the subject of the study, the study concluded that activating the role of the professional social worker in the health facility may contribute significantly to alleviating psychological stress among cancer patients. The researchers recommend enabling social workers to perform their therapeutic roles within medical facilities while also providing them with comprehensive professional training by equipping them with the skills necessary to deal with patients' psychological conditions. It's important to recognize their role within the medical team, as they are no less important than other specialties in providing comprehensive patient care. The role of social workers contributes to improving the quality of life for cancer patients and reducing the psychological and social suffering of patients and their families, and the study concluded with a proposal to conduct scientific research that would contribute to appreciating various patient problems and working to solve them.