AOSW 2009 Conference
Association of Oncology Social Work: The Enduring Impact of
25 Years of Advancement in Psychosocial Care
The 25th Annual AOSW conference will take place from May 6-8, 2009 in Savannah, Georgia.
The 2009 AOSW Annual Conference marks the 25th Anniversary of AOSW. As we meet in Savannah, Georgia, a city rich in tradition, strife and innovation, this conference will review our history as an organization. We will want to explore how to provide continuing leadership for innovative psychosocial care in the coming years. Our goal is to look back as well as into the future with projections of programs and paradigms of psychosocial services which can be maximized for patients and their caregivers.
Remembering where we have come from as we strive to make psychosocial interventions an intrinsic part of cancer care treatment for every patient and family, each presentation should include a history of the origins and development of the topic as well as a look into the future. This conference will also be an opportunity for us to highlight the ongoing implementation of the landmark Institute of Medicine Report, Cancer Care for the Whole Patient: Meeting Psychosocial Health Needs. Let us celebrate the many critical ways oncology social workers and AOSW have been at the forefront of providing psychosocial care to patients. We will also want to highlight the emerging challenges patients experience throughout the disease continuum and the innovative interventions developed by oncology social workers. With all we have accomplished in the past 25 years, this conference will provide a forum to strengthen and maximize the visibility of oncology social work as we bring psychosocial care into the future.
Conference Objectives:
- To explore the ethical issues inherent in cancer care treatment particularly those that involve quality of life issues and treatment decisions,
- To continue to expand on the definitions and treatment of pain as defined by the patient, and to broaden our understanding of the spectrum of palliative care, not limited to end of life care,
- To report on qualitative and quantitative research in all areas of oncology social work with an emphasis on survivorship, accessing underserved populations, ethics, palliative care and employment rights,
- To highlight innovative practice in the implementation of the IOM Report through creative biopsychosocial interventions, programs and management design,
- To identify and explore psychosocial issues in end of life care,
- To explore new and innovative ways to ensure access to care for the underserved and uninsured with a cancer diagnosis and in need of treatment
- To highlight the unique needs of and interventions for patients living in rural communities,
- To identify self care skills to treat compassion fatigue,
- To attain grant writing skills that will encourage oncology social workers to search for funds to expand patient services,
- To advocate for and educate on the employment rights of patients before, during and after treatment,
- To learn effective and proven methods of group work to support patients at diagnosis, during and after treatment,
- To identify specific methods and interventions to help patients manage changes and disruptions in work and family life,
- To highlight specific interventions to assist individuals living with cancer to better facilitate communication within their families (i.e. children, couples and extended family),
- To enhance skills in applying palliative care principles throughout the disease continuum,
- To develop skills supporting behavioral change in patients to promote resiliency and hope in the face of serious illness,
- To enhance the advocacy skills needed to assist patients and families in dealing with the complexities and challenges of today's healthcare system (i.e. how to get questions answered)
- To nurture the development of best clinical practices for patient navigation,
- To enhance our core knowledge base though research and curriculum development.
We look forward to seeing you in Savannah!
Conference Prospectus for Exhibitors, Grantors and Exhibitors (PDF)
Online Call for Abstracts now open! Deadline for abstract submission is September 10, 2008
Hotel Information
In and Around Savannah
Conference Committee
2008 Conference Agenda and Handouts
(Attendees Only. UserID and password required to download handouts)
Tuesday May 6 • Wednesday May 7 • Thursday May 8 • Friday May 9
AOSW 2008 Conference
Call 215-599-6093 or email us at info@aosw.org for more information.
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