Abstract:
Background: Interdisciplinary team involvement is commonplace in many palliative care settings across the world. Teamwork is
perceived by many experts as an indispensable functionality of palliative care teams. Significantly different structural and functional
attributes of these teams between regional and organisational contexts could potentially act both as strengths and weaknesses towards
their overall productivity. The sustainability and resilience of the team also has an indirect bearing on the team functioning. Aim: This
article describes international evidence on dynamic palliative care teams with a view of how and when they function efficiently or
adversely. Emphasis is also placed on studies that suggest means to mitigate the conflicts and limitations of teamwork in palliative care
and related healthcare settings. Findings: Evidence strongly suggests that palliative care is best delivered through a multidisciplinary
team approach. Conclusion: The overall performance of a healthcare team is largely determined by the supportive work environment
built through effective communication, leadership skills and mutual respect.
