International journal of palliative nursing
-
The notion of the interdisciplinary team as integral to the delivery of palliative care emerges clearly and consistently in palliative care philosophy and practice discourses. Many studies have found clear benefits of interdisciplinary palliative care teams. ⋯ This article examines the notion that palliative care interdisciplinary teams are universally or inevitably effective and identifies potential barriers and constraints to effective teamwork. In particular, it is suggested that there is a need for careful examination of how teams function in the realm of 'psychosocial' care, and ways to look beyond rhetoric are articulated in order to facilitate teams to function more efficiently to provide optimum patient care.
-
Breaking bad news is an extremely difficult and challenging process for the health care professional. The National Service Framework for Children in the UK highlights that the manner in which the health care professional delivers bad news impacts upon the way it is received, interpreted, understood and dealt with. The children's nurse, as an instrumental member of the multidisciplinary team caring for the child and family, is central to this complex communication process. This article examines the literature surrounding the breaking of bad news and introduces a new framework that outlines the multifaceted role of the children's nurse within this complex, challenging process.