The Role of the Social Worker in CAR T Care

In this episode of ASTCT Talks, host Terri Lynn Shigle, PharmD, BCOP, Clinical Pharmacy Specialist in the Stem Cell Transplantation and Cellular Therapy Department at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, sits down with Lauren Campasano, MSW, LCSW, OSW-C, a licensed clinical social worker in New Jersey at Robert Wood Johnson Barnabas Health, to discuss the vital role social workers play throughout the CAR T therapy journey.Together, they explore how social workers help patients and caregivers navigate the complex medical, emotional, financial, and logistical challenges associated with CAR T therapy. From pre-treatment evaluation through post-treatment recovery, the conversation highlights the importance of multidisciplinary support in improving the patient experience and optimizing outcomes.The discussion covers:The role of social workers in CAR T patient assessment, caregiver support, and treatment readiness.Common psychosocial, financial, and logistical barriers patients face during CAR T therapy.Best practices for integrating social work into the multidisciplinary cellular therapy team.This episode offers valuable insights for clinicians seeking to better understand the critical contributions of social work to CAR T care and patient-centered cellular therapy programs. Listen to the episode below or on your favorite app. Subscribe to ASTCT Talks and share this episode with your colleagues to keep the conversation going.This episode was made possible through support from Johnson & Johnson.