The grief, loss, and coping associated with chronic illness

Abstract

The epidemic of chronic illness in society completely changes how health care systems deliver services and this has considerable implications for social workers (Auslander & Freedenthal, 2006). Patients and caregivers living with the grief, and loss associated with chronic illness, rely on health care social workers for biopsychosocial support.

The consequences for social work education include the need to teach and learn about tbe bereavement issues associated with a chronic illness diagnosis. Professional practice reguires familiarity with the psychosocial issues related to chronic illnesses and preparation to interact with patients, families, caregivers, and the health care team. Being informed about chronic illnesses calls for social workers to know as much about a chronic condition as the well-informed patient living with the diagnosis and to recognize how biological changes influence psychological and social changes.