ABSTRACT

In many multidisciplinary health care teams, the physician dominates the discussion and there is clearly a hierarchical structure. The contributions of those further up in the hierarchy are given greater value and credence. Palliative care's effectiveness in controlling the distress of those who are terminally ill is directly related to its focus on prevention. Hospice and palliative care workers know where the pitfalls are when facing death. After working with so many people who have died, these professionals develop a sense of the common psychosocial challenges facing the dying. To survive in palliative care, one must first have a strong sense of empathy for the patient and also an inherent sense of compassion. When hospice or palliative care suggests that, it is often because it believes that hospice can provide more emotional and spiritual support than can be found elsewhere.