The neuropalliative multidisciplinary team-Members and their roles

Frank Brennan; Matthew D Gardiner; Manisha Narasimhan

doi:10.1016/B978-0-323-85029-2.00010-5

The neuropalliative multidisciplinary team-Members and their roles

Handb Clin Neurol. 2022:190:33-59. doi: 10.1016/B978-0-323-85029-2.00010-5.

Authors

Frank Brennan¹, Matthew D Gardiner², Manisha Narasimhan³

Affiliations

¹ Departments of Palliative and Rehabilitation Medicine, Calvary and St George Hospitals, Sydney, NSW, Australia; The Faculty of Medicine, St George Clinical School, The University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia. Electronic address: Frank.Brennan@unsw.edu.au.
² Departments of Palliative and Rehabilitation Medicine, Calvary and St George Hospitals, Sydney, NSW, Australia; The Faculty of Medicine, St George Clinical School, The University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia.
³ School of Psychology and Brain and Mind Centre, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia; Department of Neurology, Sutherland Hospital, Sydney, NSW, Australia.

PMID: 36055719
DOI: 10.1016/B978-0-323-85029-2.00010-5

Abstract

Neurodegenerative conditions are prominent contributors to both morbidity and mortality worldwide. They pose a significant challenge to health professionals, health systems, and the often unpaid, untrained family members and carers. The many and varied challenges encountered are best managed by a multidisciplinary neuropalliative team, as it is impossible for a single clinician to possess and deliver the wide range of skills and services required to optimally care for these patients. This chapter discusses the assembly, maintenance, and care of such a team, as well as potential difficulties and solutions in domains such as funding, training, geographical remoteness, as well as the potential lack of awareness and acceptance by colleagues. A comprehensive description of the role of all possible team members is discussed. The chapter outlines the concept, content, and potential benefits of a multidisciplinary team in neuropalliative care. Its thesis is twofold: that multidisciplinary care is vital and, second, that the sum of the whole of a team can be greater than the individual parts with respect to organization, planning, experience, and creativity of approach. With all these factors considered, and implemented wherever possible, we may all move closer to optimizing the comfort and care of our shared neuropalliative patients.

Keywords: Allied health; Ethics; Multidisciplinary team; Neurology; Neuropalliative; Nursing; Palliative care; Rehabilitation medicine; Telehealth.

Publication types

Review

MeSH terms

Family*
Humans
Patient Care Team*