ABSTRACT
A multidisciplinary team effort has definite responsibilities in the planning, development and advancement of a qualitative, effective Thanatology Program. In keeping with fundamental policies that may be established by the health care agency, a primary administrative responsibility lies in the basic planning of a thanatology program appropriate for multi-disciplinary team functioning. The purpose is to encourage, promote and extend the scope of the thanatology program as an educational and practical service to terminal patients, families and staff. The committee is established by the coordinator from various disciplines for the purpose of determining program goals. It includes three basic functions: to develop a program; to teach staff; and to evaluate the program for outcome. The need for a thanatology unit team is based on the premise that not all staff are sufficiently capable of or inclined to work with terminal patients beyond the traditionally required scope of service.
