ABSTRACT
The centrality of psychological and psychosocial issues in palliative care has become increasingly evident. This chapter provides a brief history of psychosocial care within palliative care and the role that professionals play in its provision, including the role of clinical psychologists and their competencies in this area of practice. Case examples from the UK, Spain, and Denmark highlight service issues. The chapter presents models for the provision of care, clinical practice guidelines and recommendations, and models of assessment. The chapter presents an overview of models for psychological interventions, standards for bereavement care, and psychological interventions for family carers. Moreover, the authors consider the evidence, or lack thereof, for interventions with potential benefit. Finally, core curricula for psychologists in palliative care are reviewed, followed by a discussion of tasks, roles, and boundaries among psychologists, social workers, faith workers, and other members of the multidisciplinary team. The chapter concludes by summarizing the status of psychologists’ work in palliative care and discussing goals and challenges in the field based on the interventions presented. Research and policy development and major gaps of knowledge will be identified.
