Submitted by Sarb Basra, BC Renal Social Work Professional Practice Council Chair

Name of the tools or resources:

• Patient Social Work Support web pages and resources

• Patient Managing My Care web pages and resources covering mental health, coping,  finances, and patient and caregiver well-being

What is the purpose of these tools and resources?

1. Improve coping and well-being for patients, families and caregivers 
2. Improve access to social work support provided by interdisciplinary renal teams 

• Provide patient and health care professional psychosocial education
• Improve patient and caregiver coping and well-being
• Provide community resource linkage
• Improve access to social work clinical support 

What were some highlights and challenges of developing the tools or resources? 

There were few psychosocial resources on the BC Renal website prior, so the development of these resources provides additional support to patients, families, caregivers and health care professionals. 

I liaised with BC Cancer Resource Social Worker Shelley Pennington, who kindly shared her materials that were then tailored for BC Renal by a small working group.

In addition to Social Work Support information for health care professionals, including the When to Refer to Social Work guide, key topics were identified and developed for patients and caregivers: 

• Mental Health (depression, anxiety, stress, emotions, relaxation, body image)
• Managing Finances
• Caregiver Support
• Sexual Health

Role of social workers via Social Work Support and the Meet Your Renal Social Worker brochure 

How have the tools and resources been used in practice?

1. Social workers are referring patients and families to these resources. 
2. Health care professionals are being educated on the social work role and services. 

What benefits have you seen after using these tools and resources?

They educate, support, and provide resource linkages for improved psychosocial and health outcomes. Health care professionals have clarity on the social work role and when to refer to a social worker for better patient care.  

Additional Comments:

Addressing biopsychosocial needs of patients, families and caregivers is just as important as managing the medical issues -- one affects the other. I am very proud of the development of these resources. More tools can be developed over time. Thank you and we hope you find these resources useful.

A special thank you to Sarb Basra: 

After 15 years of working within BC's renal community, Sarb wrapped up at the beginning of October 2020 to take on a new position with the Fraser Health Primary Care Network. With BC Renal, Sarb contributed to the provincial Kidney Care Committee, the BC Kidney Days planning committee and various other committees and projects over the years. Echoing comments by BC Renal executive director Dr. Adeera Levin, we say thank you to Sarb for all her commitment, clarity of thought and leadership, and we wish her all the best in her endeavours!