
Interdisciplinary Approach in Palliative Clinics
Chapter from the book:
Gölcük,
Y.
(ed.)
2025.
Holistic Perspectives and Clinical Processes in Health Sciences.
Synopsis
Palliative care aims to address the physical, psychological, social, and spiritual needs of individuals facing life-threatening illnesses through a holistic approach. To implement this effectively, the interdisciplinary approach, which involves collaboration among various health disciplines, has become fundamental in palliative clinics. Teams composed of physicians, nurses, psychologists, social workers, physiotherapists, dietitians, and spiritual counselors provide care that considers not only medical symptoms but also the emotional, social, and spiritual needs of patients.
The interdisciplinary approach fosters a collaborative model where each specialist contributes and joint decision-making is embraced. Clear communication, well-defined roles, and a shared sense of purpose are key factors that determine the effectiveness of this process. In Turkey, the 2015 regulation by the Ministry of Health legally institutionalized the provision of palliative care within an interdisciplinary framework, shaping clinical practice accordingly.
Recent national and international guidelines emphasize the importance of this approach, highlighting that quality palliative care can only be achieved through integrated and collaborative teamwork. Therefore, the interdisciplinary approach in palliative clinics stands out as an indispensable model to improve patients’ quality of life and make end-of-life processes more meaningful.