Brunner & Suddarth's Textbook of Medical-Surgical Nursing 14e (Hinkle 2017) - End-of-Life Care Related

Review Brunner & Suddarth's Textbook of Medical-Surgical Nursing 14e (Hinkle 2017) - End-of-Life Care related questions and content

The organization of a patients care on the palliative care unit is based on interdisciplinary collaboration. How does interdisciplinary collaboration differ from multidisciplinary practice?

  • A. It is based on the participation of clinicians without a team leader.
  • B. It is based on clinicians of varied backgrounds integrating their separate plans of care.
  • C. It is based on communication and cooperation between disciplines.
  • D. It is based on medical expertise and patient preference with the support of nursing.
Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Interdisciplinary collaboration, which is different from multidisciplinary practice, is based on communication and cooperation among the various disciplines, each member of the team contributing to a single integrated care plan that addresses the needs of the patient and family. Multidisciplinary care refers to participation of clinicians with varied backgrounds and skill sets, but without coordination and integration. Interdisciplinary collaboration is not based on patient preference and should not prioritize medical expertise over other disciplines.