Decision making as things change
GPs often have an ongoing relationship with their patients and are well placed to provide patient centred care that looks at the patient not just an individual symptom or the disease.
Addressing clinical needs
Palliative care is provided over time and in the context of what is important to the person. The GP will often have known the patient over time and has an understanding of their circumstances and their values. This can be valuable when looking options and making clinical decisions around care.
This is also the time to ensure that new symptoms and issues are discussed and possible issues and changes addressed in planning. Recognising changes and responding to deterioration or to emergencies will also need to be considered.
How GPs care for older people coming to the end of their life? – Dr Annette Carruthers
Last updated 29 May 2026