On 21st October 2024, the Centre for Social Work Studies, Dibrugarh University, organized a guest lecture titled “The Important Role of Social Workers: Delivering Competent and Compassionate Communication in Palliative Care—The Key to Patient and Family Satisfaction.” The event was held at the Vikshan Conference Hall, Dibrugarh University, and featured Ms. Gilly Burn, a distinguished expert from the University of Durham, UK, with extensive experience in palliative care services both in India and internationally.
In her lecture, Ms. Burn underscored the critical role social workers play in palliative care, particularly in facilitating compassionate and effective communication with patients and their families. She emphasized how professional behavior and empathetic communication are essential to improving the quality of life for those receiving palliative care. Furthermore, Ms. Burn highlighted the stark differences in the availability and delivery of cancer and palliative care services between developed and developing countries, drawing attention to the unique challenges faced by resource-constrained settings like India.
Drawing on her vast international experience, especially in India, Ms. Burn enriched the lecture with practical examples and real-world insights. Her perspectives resonated deeply with the social work students, encouraging them to reflect on the importance of integrating strong communication skills into their professional practice, particularly in such sensitive areas as palliative care.
The event was organized in collaboration with Pratishruti Cancer and Palliative Care, Dibrugarh. Dr. Monuj Dutta, Assistant Professor at the Centre for Social Work Studies, served as the event coordinator, while Dr. Ansai Bathau Basumatary, also an Assistant Professor at the Centre, moderated the session.
The lecture was met with enthusiasm from attendees, who valued the opportunity to learn from a global expert in the field. The talk not only provided valuable practical insights but also served as a source of inspiration, motivating students to strive for excellence in their future professional endeavors.
