Attitudes, Knowledge and Role Perceptions Regarding
Chronic Pain:
A Survey of Social Workers in Health Care
MSW Graduating Essay by Andrea Moore
The purpose of this descriptive study was to obtain information
about social workers in health care and the issue of chronic pain.
A total of 82 questionnaires aimed at assessing knowledge, attitudes
and perceptions of the social work role regarding chronic pain
were distributed to the membership of the Social Workers in Health
Society of British Columbia. A relatively high response rate of
67% was attained. In addition, many of the respondents provided
valuable comments about their professional and personal experiences
with chronic pain issues as well as issues and challenges related
to the topic.
Analysis of the data revealed that while social workers indicate
positive attitudes about chronic pain and generally agree that
there is a role for social workers in this area, many social workers
lack knowledge about chronic pain. Of particular interest to this
writer were the results of the section of the survey concerning
role perceptions of social workers in the area of chronic pain.
While the majority of the participants of this study did respond
positively to statements concerning the involvement of social
work in all areas of chronic pain including assessment, treatment
and management, a significant number of the respondents indicated
a neutral response. This apparent hesitancy may be related to
concerns among social workers about the level of their knowledge
of chronic pain and thus a perception of potential ineffectiveness
in working with these individuals.
Literature on the subject of social work and chronic pain is severely
limited. Education and training for social workers regarding chronic
pain is recommended. However, more urgently needed at this stage
is further research about chronic pain and how we as social workers
may intervene most effectively in
these highly complex situations.
A special thank you to Susan Hogman and members of
the SWHSBC for your participation in this study.
