To provide care that is responsive to the complex and multifaceted needs of individuals with a life-limiting illness, it is important to understand the functions and processes associated with a multidisciplinary approach to care.
TOPIC 1: A multidisciplinary approach in palliative care will help you develop the skills needed to work effectively within the context of a multidisciplinary team when providing care to people with life-limiting illnesses and their families.
Case Study: Meet Betty, a 79-year-old woman with Stage 3 chronic kidney disease and multiple comorbidities who has been managed by her GP in conjunction with the multidisciplinary team at the Renal Clinic. The team continues to meet as Betty’s kidney disease progresses, establishing and implementing a management plan to support Betty and her family at home.
Aims and Objectives:
After completing this focus topic, you should be able to:
- Discuss the key principles and components of an effective multidisciplinary approach in responding to the needs of individuals with life-limiting illnesses
- Identify the role of the multidisciplinary team in caring for people with life-limiting illnesses and their families
- Analyse the various care contexts and the roles of the multidisciplinary team in caring for people with life-limiting illnesses.