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Review
. 2022;20(2):160-176.
doi: 10.1007/s11938-022-00381-2. Epub 2022 Apr 19.

The Impact of Social Workers in Cirrhosis Care: a Systematic Review

Nneka N Ufere  1 , Jan Hinson  2 , Simon Finnigan  3   4   5 , Elizabeth E Powell  6 , John Donlan  7 , Cathy Martin  8 , Phil Clark  2 , Patricia C Valery  9
Affiliations
Review

The Impact of Social Workers in Cirrhosis Care: a Systematic Review

Nneka N Ufere et al. Curr Treat Options Gastroenterol. 2022.

Abstract

Purpose of review: To report social workers' involvement in supporting patients with cirrhosis.

Recent findings: Six intervention studies (three published in the past 3 years) highlighed the potential role of social worker-led interventions to improve the outcomes of patients with cirrhosis. In studies of patients with alcohol-related liver disease (n = 4), social workers conducted psychosocial assessments, screened for substance use disorder and psychological distress, coordinated referrals to addiction services, and provided relapse prevention therapy. In studies including transplant recipients or candidates (n = 2), social workers focused on psychosocial interventions. In two studies (n = 1 patient with alcohol-related liver disease; n = 1 transplant recipients), social workers provided practical support (e.g., housing, transportation). Most articles provided limited information about the intervention and the role of the social worker, making comparisons of the studies difficult.

Summary: More high-quality evidence is needed to formally assess the impact of social workers in improving the outcomes of patients with cirrhosis.

Supplementary information: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s11938-022-00381-2.

Keywords: Chronic liver disease; Intervention; Psychosocial challenges; Support services; Supportive care.

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Conflict of interest statement

Conflict of interest Nneka N. Ufere declares that she has no conflict of interest. Jan Hinson declares that he has no conflict of interest. Simon Finnigan declares that he has no conflict of interest. Elizabeth E. Powell declares that she has no conflict of interest. John Donlan declares that he has no conflict of interest. Cathy Martin declares that she has no conflict of interest. Phil Clark declares that he has no conflict of interest. Patricia C. Valery declares that she has no conflict of interest.

Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
Flow diagram of search and selection of articles for review
Fig. 2
Fig. 2
Categories of psychosocial care needs of patients with cirrhosis and examples of social worker interventions
See this image and copyright information in PMC

References

References and Recommended Reading

Papers of particular interest, published recently, have been highlighted as: • Of importance •• Of major importance
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