Seeing a familiar face: Collaboration across professional boundaries

Professions have identities based on their particular knowledge, skills, values, and ways in which they assess and manage patients. Collaboration requires professionals to make these explicit and to use them effectively as part of a team. The composition of the palliative care team has changed considerably since its origins in the hospice. Uncertain prognoses, multiple players, and the extension of palliative care into new conditions and new settings can lead to role blurring and challenge established professional boundaries. Effective collaboration enhances continuity of care and makes the most of each professional’s contribution to meet the common goals of palliative and end of life care.