The key qualities of a team are: empathy, understanding of what is required and of the family dynamics, patience, ability to communicate affectively and be honest.
Teamwork is definitely the way to approach these patients, but I have personally struggle. I think the reason is being, that if no palliative care team exists… you are it. The answer to my own question or statement therefore would be … well set one up…..We currently manage children with life limiting diseases in a multidisciplinary manner, which I have realised is not ideal. The reason being that time (which is always the limiting factor) needs to be set aside to have meetings etc.
Ideally an interdisciplinary team would be the way to go… then we are all aware of our roles, we can hand over easier, without feeling guilty etc.
Self-care is a struggle for me, I am not good at setting boundaries. I think the reason for this is that 70% of my practice has life limiting disorders. Colleagues are often afraid to manage these cases and so will always send them back to you. I have made myself available to my patients and feel responsible for them. Some of my patients are shared and that is awesome, but what I am realising is that communication with other colleagues, is essential.
I use prayer, journaling and exercise as self-care mechanisms. But truthfully, I do not have a good self-care strategy.
