Course Description
This introductory course addresses topics most Americans can find difficult to discuss, i.e., end-of-life options and planning/preparing for one’s own death or that of a loved one. While a number of social work and behavioral health professionals work in hospitals, assisted living facilities, hospice, and other settings where they are engaged with patients at the end of life, all practitioners will—at some point—work with clients or family members regarding end-of-life issues. Social workers who work primarily with clients at the end of their lives generally function as members of a multifaceted, multidisciplinary team that includes physicians, nurses, attorneys, and family members. Therefore, the course content examines the role of social workers in helping clients (and their loved ones) to review end-of-life options; plan, prepare, and make key decisions; and access pertinent resources. The information in this course can also be used to help social workers address issues related to the end-of-life preparation and planning for themselves or their loved ones. The content incorporates case vignettes, short web-based video clips, and web-based resources. To print the certificate of completion, the online posttest must be passed with a score of 80% of better.
Target Audience
The introductory course focused on end-of-life options is written for any social work practitioner who has worked or will work with clients who are at the end-stage of life (and their family members).
Learning Objectives
Upon completion of this course, readers will be able to do the following:
- Identify the major end-of-life options, including their potential benefits and limitations.
- Identify the psychosocial issues and challenges facing older adults and people of any age who are facing the end-stage of life.
- Identify the laws pertaining to end-of-life care decisions.
- Identify the ethical issues guiding the practice of social workers serving those at the end-stage of life.