What is palliative care?

Abstract

Palliative care is a core part of the role of a GP. It can and should begin as early as possible in a patient’s course of illness, but as GPs we may individually become involved at a variety of points without necessarily having had the opportunity to build a prior relationship with a patient. This can be challenging, particularly if seeing a patient for the first time when they are in the last days of life. This article aims to explore the different points at which palliative care may begin and summarise new guidance that may inform management.