Shaping the Future: Recommendations from a Palliative Social Work Summit-A National Call to Action.

BACKGROUND

Palliative social workers play a critical role in serious illness care by addressing the biopsychosocial, spiritual, existential, and cultural needs of patients and families. Despite substantial professional infrastructure and contributions to equity and person-centered care, the profession faces persistent challenges related to recognition, funding, and visibility. These challenges are intensified by widening health inequities, policy threats to access to care, and national workforce shortages.

METHODS

To assess the current landscape and advance a coordinated professional agenda for palliative social workers in the United States, the Shaping the Future: Advancing Palliative Social Work Summit convened national leaders in palliative and health social work research, practice, and advocacy. A national survey of social workers providing serious illness care (N = 350), an ongoing scoping review, and a two-day convening of leaders representing 15 organizations were used to develop a consensus-driven professional agenda. Survey data and Summit discussions were analyzed descriptively and thematically, with findings validated by participants.

RESULTS

Participants articulated a unified vision for the future of palliative social work, identifying priorities including formal recognition of social workers as essential interprofessional team members, advancement of equity-driven care models, development of a diverse and sustainable workforce, and strengthened cross-organizational collaboration. Consensus emerged around the need for coordinated advocacy, shared resources, targeted research investment, and public-facing strategies to increase visibility and impact.

CONCLUSION

The Summit demonstrates a model for advancing palliative social work through intentional alignment collective leadership and coordinated action. Aligning shared priorities positions the field to strengthen its professional foundation and expand its impact across practice research education and policy. Sustained investment in palliative social work leadership and infrastructure is essential to ensuring the profession's long-term viability and its capacity to meet the complex needs of people living with serious illness their families and communities.