Social Work Case Study

Strength & Energy

PCI social workers provide crucial support to patients and their families as they navigate a cancer diagnosis and treatment. The offering counseling, navigation through the healthcare system can connect patients with resources so they can focus on getting well.

Bridging the Financial Gap - A Social Work Intervention in Oncology

Patient Overview

• Name: Jane Doe
• Age: 43
• Diagnosis: Stage III breast cancer
• Treatment: Chemotherapy, followed by surgery and radiation
• Insurance: Uninsured
• Employment: Recently unemployed due to treatment side effect
• Family: Single mother of two adult children

Presenting Problem

Jane was referred to the oncology social worker after expressing emotional distress and financial anxiety during a follow-up with her oncologist. Her primary concerns included:

• Inability to pay for treatment and transportation to treatment.
• Risk of eviction due to missed rent payments.
• Limited emotional support from family.

Initial Social Work Assessment

The social worker conducted a comprehensive psychosocial assessment which identified:

• No extended family support nearby.
• High treatment adherence risk due to transportation and support challenges.
• Symptoms of depression linked to financial strain and fear of cancer progression.
• Eligibility for several local and national assistance programs, but barriers in application processes due to literacy and language.

Intervention Through Grant Work

1. Securing Financial Assistance

• The SW completed application for Jane for the Atlanta Cancer Care Foundation for a transportation gift card of $250 to assist with transportation costs to and from appointments.
• The SW discussed with Jane alternative grant opportunities she is eligible for based on income, employment status and location to assist with housing costs, utilizes, gas, food, car insurance etc. (Susan G Komen, Harbor or Hope, Pink Aid Pink Purse, Pink Fund, Remember Betty and Cancer Cartel totaling approximately $5000 in assistance.)
• The SW discussed with pt each grant is either a onetime use or able to be applied for once every 12-month period. SW utilized solution focused therapy to prioritize needs without exhausting grant opportunities all at once to schedule grant completion throughout the next several months.

2. Collaborating with Local Agencies

• SW assisted patient with completed Women's Health Medicaid application with the local Health Department to obtain stable health insurance and gain access to her cancer treatments needs including treatment, imaging, labs, surgery, RT etc.
• SW provided patient with local food pantries, clothing resources and contacts for daily living expense assistance with agencies in the community including Salvation Army, community Churches, St. Vincient, County Community Action etc.
• SW educated Jane on her new benefits with WHM which now include Medicaid transportation through MotiveCare which can be scheduled 72 hours in advance to transport her to and from treatments.
• SW discussed the Road to Recovery through the Volunteer program with The American Cancer Society as an additional option for free transportation.

3. Advocating for Extended Benefits

• The SW educated Jane on the workflow of Social Security Disability Income through the Social Security Administration with the goal of helping to stabilize her household income.
• SW discussed SSDI eligibility requirements and provided options for the most convenient medium for her to complete the application (online, in-person, over the phone or by mail.) SW provided Jane with the online portal in Spanish to best eliminate potential language barriers along with the Spanish SSA contact number.

4. Empowering the Patient

• Provided culturally tailored education about her diagnosis and rights as a patient.
• Connected Jane with a bilingual therapist in network with her WHM coverage improving her mental health and treatment adherence.
• SW connected pt. with virtual and in-person support group opportunities for additional psychosocial support throughout her treatment journey.

Outcomes

• Jane completed her full chemotherapy regimen without missing a session.
• Stabilized housing and transportation during the critical treatment period.
• Reduced depressive symptoms, as measured by PHQ-9.
• Improved engagement in follow-up care and support groups.

Social Work Reflections

This case exemplifies how oncology social workers:

• Leverage grant funding to fill systemic gaps in care.
• Navigate complex bureaucracies on behalf of vulnerable patients.
• Act as both advocates and navigators, aligning social determinants of health with clinical treatment plans.
• Use evidence-informed grant resources to reduce disparities in cancer care access.