That’s why, here at GMCH, we provide that help in as many different ways as possible. With our Interdisciplinary Team (IDT) approach, we supply therapeutic insight, guidance and recommendations from – social, spiritual, psychological, and medical perspectives – to develop a unique and unified plan of care for every child and family.
Children with lifespan limiting illnesses and their families have a host of needs. And here, at GMCH, we have a host of different people to care for them. Our Interdisciplinary Team includes, but is not limited to, the following members:
 GMCH Interdisciplinary Team
- Physician
Although we do not replace the child’s primary care specialist, we always include a pediatric specialist on every child’s team.
- Nurses/CNAs
Whether they are working with hospital staff, caring for our children, or facilitating treatment, our nursing staff forms the core of the delivery of our care.
- Psychosocial Manager
Because we treat the whole family and not just the child, our Psychosocial Manager supports the family by helping with everything from practical concerns like getting siblings to school, working with outside agencies, and providing parent and child counseling.
- Child Life Specialist
Ever mindful of the child’s and the sibling’s development and how it may affect treatment, our Child Life Specialist is an invaluable team member.
- Spiritual Care Coordinator
We respect every family’s beliefs and tailor our care accordingly, following important contributions from our Spiritual Care Coordinator, who also serves to coordinate memorial services, and provide bereavement counseling.
- Clinical Psychologist
Lifespan limiting illnesses takes a formidable toll on everyone in the family. Our Clinical Psychologist looks after the child’s and their family’s emotional and psychological health, as they move through the various stages of the child’s illness.
- Pharmacist
Drug regimens are unique for every child and are an integral part of treatment. Our Pharmacist is an integral member of our IDT.
- Case Managers
The Case Managers coordinate the patient and family care before, during their stay and after discharge. Their goal is to provide optimal respite, transitional and end of life care. Our Case Managers work with the medical community and other agencies outside of GMCH.
- Dietitian
Our Dietitian reviews menus and helps plan meals for our children and their families. The dietitian works with our chef to assure that special dietary needs are accommodated and meals will be both nutritious and delicious.
- Volunteers
Our volunteers are an important part of life at GMCH. Volunteers are invaluable at making the House more like a home. They help the nurses care for the children, become playmates for siblings, play music and help clean up after meal or playtimes.
From time to time, we will add specialists to our IDT as an individual child or family requires it. In addition, there is considerable overlap among the knowledge and skill of the various members on the IDT. Our goal is to unify the contributions of the various disciplines to provide a single care plan built upon the strengths of each.
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