Between theory and therapy

Grief and loss skills-based training for hospital social workers

Authors

  • Greg Lewis Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital
  • Suzette Fox Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital

Keywords:

Grief and loss, hospital social work, skills-based training

Abstract

Social work grief and loss education often concentrates on theory and therapy, neither of which are particularly accessible to practitioners in a crisis. Both new and experienced social workers in an acute health environment are challenged to craft a practical, skills-based approach which is part grief therapy and part crisis-response. A working party at a major hospital developed training to bridge this gap. Evaluations indicated attendees made meaningful connections with their practice. This practice reflection describes the development of the training and its outcomes.

Author Biographies

Greg Lewis, Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital

Social Work Department, Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital, Herston, Australia

Suzette Fox, Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital

Social Work Department, Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital, Herston, Australia

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Published

2019-07-01