What kind of team might be involved in providing palliative care at RACH?

Palliative care is a comprehensive approach that addresses not only the physical symptoms of illness but also the emotional, psychological, and spiritual needs of patients and their families. A multidisciplinary team is essential in providing this holistic type of care. This team typically includes a range of healthcare professionals such as physicians, nurses, social workers, chaplains, and sometimes physical and occupational therapists.

The involvement of a multidisciplinary team ensures that all aspects of a patient's well-being are addressed, allowing for coordinated care that can better meet individual patient needs. Each member of the team brings expertise from their specific field, contributing to a more effective and supportive overall patient experience. This collaborative approach is particularly vital in palliative care, where complex decision-making and management of symptoms play a significant role in patient comfort and quality of life.

In contrast, having a single physician might limit the scope of care, as they may not cover all necessary areas holistically. Relying solely on nursing staff would also miss out on the diverse skills and insights offered by other specialists. Focusing only on external consultants could lead to a disjointed experience for patients and families, as these consultants would not be aligned with the day-to-day care team that knows the patient best. Therefore, the use of a