The neuropalliative multidisciplinary team—Members and their roles

Neurodegenerative conditions are prominent contributors to both morbidity and mortality worldwide. They pose a significant challenge to health professionals, health systems, and the often unpaid, untrained family members and carers. The many and varied challenges encountered are best managed by a multidisciplinary neuropalliative team, as it is impossible for a single clinician to possess and deliver the wide range of skills and services required to optimally care for these patients. This chapter discusses the assembly, maintenance, and care of such a team, as well as potential difficulties and solutions in domains such as funding, training, geographical remoteness, as well as the potential lack of awareness and acceptance by colleagues. A comprehensive description of the role of all possible team members is discussed. The chapter outlines the concept, content, and potential benefits of a multidisciplinary team in neuropalliative care. Its thesis is twofold: that multidisciplinary care is vital and, second, that the sum of the whole of a team can be greater than the individual parts with respect to organization, planning, experience, and creativity of approach. With all these factors considered, and implemented wherever possible, we may all move closer to optimizing the comfort and care of our shared neuropalliative patients.