Social Work Practices in Palliative and End-of-Life Care for Persons Experiencing Homelessness: A Scoping Review

Abstract

This article summarizes literature focusing on social work roles in end-of-life care (EOLC) for persons experiencing homelessness. I conducted a scoping review drawing from the framework by Arksey and O’Malley (2005). Included articles were English language, peer-reviewed papers from MEDLINE, Social Work Abstracts, and Social Services Abstracts, published through to May 2018. I reviewed nonscholarly databases and conducted hand searches of reference lists. After applying inclusion criteria, I reviewed 21 articles in full. The selected articles revealed three themes: trusting relationships, collaboration and partnerships, and education, training, and knowledge. EOLC within the mainstream healthcare system holds assumptions that challenge adequate service to homeless populations. Incorporating social work into EOLC delivery can help address these gaps in the system.