Ms Jessica Elliott1
1Western Sydney Youth Cancer Services, Westmead Hospital, Westmead, Australia
Biography:
Jess completed her Bachelor of Social Work with Honours in 2019. Jess commenced working at Westmead Hospital in 2020 where she predominantly worked in neurosurgery and trauma. Jess is now a senior social worker in the Western Sydney Youth Cancer Service (WSYCS). Jess completed her Master’s in Counselling, Social Work at the University of New South Wales (UNSW) in 2024. Jess is a part of various committees and leadership roles within Westmead Hospital and the Social Work Department. Jess is completing further end of life research throughout 2025.
Abstract:
End of life conversations can often diminish hope and fuel hopelessness, they are therefore complex to navigate for clinicians. Navigating hope and hopelessness for Adolescent and Young Adult (AYA) cancer patients when facing end of life is challenging especially due to their specific psychosocial needs. Often, AYA are hope focused due to their age, goals and dreams for the future. This presentation seeks to address some of the key developmental issues facing AYAs at end of life, followed by a discussion of hope in the context of cancer and social work practice. This presentation will address the common experiences of hope and hopelessness for AYA cancer patients and their families in the context of end of life. Research on navigating hope and hopelessness focusing on the important role of social workers in providing support to patients. Recommendations for practice alongside theories and frameworks including contingent hope theory and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) will be reviewed. How social workers can best support the feelings of hope and hopelessness for AYA cancer patients at end of life to ensure best practice will be presented with case studies and practice examples to illustrate key points throughout the paper. Social workers and other health professionals will gain a deeper understanding of the challenges facing this vulnerable population and how to best support them.