RESUMO -Não faz sentido falar de cuidados paliativos sem referenciar uma equipa multidisciplinar e interdisciplinar que comporta diferentes profissionais, de diferentes áreas, que apoiem o doente e a família (TWYCROSS, 2003). Este é o desafio que o artigo apresenta, o de poder passar a visão psicossocial que envolve o mundo do doente paliativo e suas famílias, onde os cuidados de saúde considerados ativos estão centrados na dolência do ser humano. Pretende-se aqui contribuir para o conhecimento sobre as famílias no contexto de doença terminal recorrendo à investigação efetuada nesta área sistêmica e ao conhecimento empírico, enquanto investigadores e profissionais no trabalho diário com doentes e famílias em intenso sofrimento. Palavras-chave -Cuidados Paliativos. Famílias. Intervenção Psicossocial.ABSTRACT -It makes no sense to talk about palliative care without referencing a multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary team approach comprising different professionals from different fields, supporting the patient and family (TWYCROSS, 2003). This is our challenge: the challenge to study the psychosocial world of palliative patients and their families, where health care are considered active and centered on the human being. We intend in this paper to contribute to the knowledge of the families in the context of terminal illness using the systemic research done in this area and our empirical knowledge, while researchers and practitioners in their daily work with patients and families in higher distress.

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This model of psychosocial care could serve as an example for other countries that wish to improve psychosocial and spiritual support. Our results confirm that specific psychosocial interventions delivered by well-trained experts can help to ease suffering and discomfort in end-of-life and palliative care patients, particularly those with high levels of pain or emotional distress.

Based on these preliminary results, we suggest that the PST can be a model of organization that is effective and efficient in improving the psycho-social and spiritual aspects of care of terminally ill patients. Further follow-up and evaluation with validated tools are the main goals for the immediate future.

Based on new evidence, the center has recently decided to expand its scope by adopting a community-wide chronic care approach which moves beyond cancer and focuses on the early identification of patients with any chronic disease in need of palliative care. Moreover, the center advocates the development of comprehensive models of care that address patients' psychosocial needs. This center's new work plan includes additional significant innovations, such as the startup of the first chair of palliative care in Spain. Such a whole new approach responds to the main challenges of current palliative care.