Role of the general practitioner in paediatric palliative care
General practitioners (GPs) can provide essential medical, practical and emotional support at a local level to a child and their family, both before and after the child’s death. GPs may have paediatric patients with complex conditions (eg severe cerebral palsy) who require palliative care support, and occasionally look after children with cancer who require palliative care. In rural and remote communities in particular, the GP is likely to be the main medical support for the child and family.
GPs can help to avoid unplanned visits to hospital for the child by reviewing comorbidities, providing prescriptions for medications, and providing medical review at home, when the child finds it difficult to attend the hospital or clinic, or is receiving care at the end of life.
The GP’s role can be enhanced by frequent communication with the paediatric team. Specialist paediatric palliative care services can provide the GP with advice and support as required. In general, a shared approach to care with the paediatric palliative care team is optimal. Case-planning meetings may be useful to define roles and responsibilities.
In addition to providing care for the child, GPs may also understand the healthcare needs of other members of the family, including siblings; this can be particularly helpful when parents and siblings require bereavement support.
For more information about the role of the GP in palliative care, see General practitioners in palliative care.