What palliative care physicians wish neurologists knew

This chapter describes several features of palliative care that we believe can assist neurologists in caring for patients with serious illness. These features include the importance of recognizing suffering, the central of total pain (including physical, emotional, spiritual, and existential aspects), structural features of palliative care such as the distinction been palliative care and hospice, and the concept of primary and specialty palliative care. Structural features of palliative care such as interdisciplinary teamwork, approaches to self-care, and a perspective on prognostic uncertainty are also considered. Throughout this chapter, the focus is on ways in which neurologists can integrate these approaches in caring for patients and their families.