EDTNA/ERCA European Dialysis and Transplant Nurses Association / European Renal Care Association
Social Workers
 

Welcome to the Social work page!

Background: Since the early days of EDTNA/ERCA, the psychosocial issues and concerns of patients diagnosed with CKD have been given a high priority by the Association various activities and publications. The Interest group's contribution was significant and appreciated. The Social Workers Interest Group members have played a major role in the development, not only of the association but also in raising awareness of the psychosocial needs of patients and their families. We are committed to multi-disciplinary education, training and care.

Topics discussed: pre-dialysis assessment, patient and family support, coping with denial, loss, and adherence. The value of holiday dialysis was highlighted through an international research project.

Workshops on: impotence, listening skills, coping with aggression, withdrawing from treatment ,quality of life , violence and aggression,  and practical tools for dealing with the dying renal patient  issues have been held.

Since 2008 the group was dissolved and I am serving the association as Social Worker consultant.

The aims of the Social work consultant:

  • To promote greater understanding of psychosocial aspect s of patients diagnosed with CKD.
  • To encourage Interdisciplinary team collaboration among renal staff.
  • To  provide an European  platform for Renal Social Work data exchange  

Major Categories addressed by renal social worker:

  • Ongoing Psychosocial assessment and evaluation
  • Coping with chronic illness and the Renal Replacement Therapy implications on the patient and his family.
  • Facilitating emotional support to the patient and his support system
  • Resource referrals: welfare benefits and Governmental entitlements, vocational and rehabilitation programs, Community services.
  • Patient education and adherence improvement
  • Conflict resolution and mediation
  • End of life issues and Bereavement
  • Advocate renal patient special needs on policy level

The Social Work Interest group's publications:

  • Towards a Closer Understanding: A Psycho/Social Handbook for all Renal Care Workers
  • Job description and Quality Standards for Renal Social Workers in Europe-available as pdf

2009 Ongoing projects:

Transplantation and Peritoneal Dialysis booklets are in preparations. In both booklets the chapters on the psychosocial aspects are in the process of writing by me.

 

Hamburg Conference preparations:

Workshop:Positive Psychology: applying Interventions for CKD Patients: the science of increasing happiness.

For all of you interested in enhancing patient quality of life – register to the workshop

For more information about the social work, please contact Nurith Blumenthal: nurith2002@yahoo.com

 
 
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