Call for Reflections: Journal of Social Work in End-of-Life and Palliative Care
Journal Editor: Ellen L. Csikai, Ph.D
Section Editor: Mercedes Bern-Klug, PhD
We are pleased to be able to offer this opportunity to publish personal accounts of various aspects of social work in end-of-life and palliative care. We hope these entries in the journal will provide an insider’s look into everyday practice or give some inspiration as we assist individuals and families at this crucial time in life.
Description of Section:
Our work in providing end-of-life and palliative care affects us both personally and professionally. This new section of the journal is dedicated to using creative writing to give voice to the personal impact of end-of-life and palliative care social work in clinical practice, community organizing, policy practice, research, and education. Content, reflecting both the art and science of social work, is accepted in three forms: poetry, essays, and case studies.
Authors should submit only material that is original and that has not been previously published. In addition, please do not submit any material that is currently under consideration by another publication source. Do not disclose the identity of living persons without their written permission. If the content of your material can lead to the identification of a colleague, client, family member, or any person other than yourself, please follow your organization’s rules for the protection of human subjects, and indicate in your cover letter that your material conforms to your organization’s guidelines.
Poem
Poems from 7-15 lines in length are preferable, although longer poems will be considered.
Essay
Essays should be no longer than 1,400 words (about 5 pages double-spaced), although longer lengths may be considered. Essays can reflect the personal meaning-making experience of the author and tap into insights about, for example, ethical dilemmas, the importance of relationships, satisfaction or strain related to work in end-of-life and/or palliative care, gratitude, grief, humility, humor, and hope. The range of potential topics is deliberately broad. They may be written in the first person. Authors are encouraged to seek editorial feedback from a colleague or writing specialist before submitting material for consideration. No references or citations are expected.
Case Study
Case studies that do not exceed 1,400 words (about 5 pages double-spaced) are preferred although longer submissions will be considered. Case studies describe circumstances that are unusual or could be considered outside the experience of many readers by virtue of the characteristics of the client, his or her family system, the community, the social worker, local laws or regulations, or historical events (for example, a natural disaster like a flood, a hurricane, a traffic accident, or an organizational budget cut that affected care). Case studies present an issue that challenges the social worker, describes consideration and weighing of options, and presents the conclusion or clarifies that there was no conclusion. Authors are strongly encouraged to seek editorial feedback from a colleague or writing specialist before submitting material for consideration. References or citations should be included where appropriate, but are not required.
Submissions are online at: http://mc.manuscriptcentral.com/wswe
With your submission please include a cover letter with full author(s) contact information and a statement that the author(s) has followed his/her organization’s IRB procedures as appropriate.
