Medical specialists
The psychosocial realm of patients is not
only open to non-medical professionals,
but it has been suggested that palliative
medicine specialists in acute care settings
should also have the necessary skills to
provide psychosocial and existential care
(Glare et al, 2003). Glare et al claim a
new niche occurs in terms of professionals
who are able to 'view patients who are
distressed by severe symptoms or existential
issues with a different focus from
that of the referrmg specialist'. This focus
differentiates the palliative care specialist
from other medical professionals; however,
it positions their activities in the psychosocial
realm, in addition to the work
they undertake in the medical care of the
patient. This may result in tension as they
become closer to other palliative care team
members who already claim this space.