Satisfying needs and expectations of terminal cancer patients: Organizational challenges to social workers

AbstractDespite medical and scientific advances, numerous clinical essays, and research to fight cancer, endless concerns associated with this pathology continue to persist in the twenty-first century, with a strong impact on individuals’ lives particularly at the economic, social, emotional, relational, behavioural, and spiritual levels. However, metamorphosing this into reality still seems to be a distant event because this pathology is still considered one of the leading causes of death in different countries worldwide, and Portugal is no exception. This study aims to study the motivations expressed by terminally ill cancer patients and their caregivers, whose main diferences are characterized. The results show that the clinical, social, spiritual, economic, and emotional issues associated with the end -of- life context are numerous, therefore patients and their caregivers may have a number of circumstances to face. The presentation of the patients' and their caregivers’ needs, expression of motivation...