Working with patients, carers and families

Supporting carers and families as well as patients 

Supporting patients in palliative care also means supporting their carers and families. Some allied health professionals such as psychologists or social workers will do this more formally as part of their role, while others may do this as part of routine care or clinical interactions.

Good communication is important as are consistent messages from all health professionals involved in the patient's care. Family meetings or case conferences are one way of getting everyone together in the same place and facilitating communication and care planning.

There are good quality resources that can help patients, carers, and families.