General practitioners in palliative care

The GP plays a key role in caring for patients with palliative care needs at home, in residential aged-care facilities or in other community settings. A range of healthcare professionals can support the GP, including palliative care specialists who may provide advice and support, but do not usually assume primary responsibility for care of patients in the community. The GP should take into account the holistic needs of the patient and their family and carers, and be aware of the extra support that a broader multidisciplinary team can provide.

The GP may be responsible for:

• coordinating care (including after-hours care)
• managing the patient’s symptoms
• medication management and medication rationalisation when applicable
• encouraging the patient to undertake advance care planning
• helping the patient decide which ongoing hospital or specialist appointments are needed for their care
• deciding whether referral to a specialist palliative care service is necessary
• ensuring appropriate support for family and carers
• advising carers what to do and who to call when help is required.