ABSTRACT
Palliative care means that we are moving beyond cure into an area of increasing uncertainty, which as physicians we can find uncomfortable or difficult to deal with. Primary care has the potential to deliver high-quality domiciliary palliative care. A general practitioner (GP) can fulfil the patient's wishes with the help of an integrated nursing team which is skilled in palliative care. GPs are ideally positioned to provide the best possible quality of life through psychological, social and spiritual support, relief of pain and other distressing symptoms, helping patients to live as actively as possible until death - the principles of modern palliative care. The practice has a complete register available of all patients in need of palliative care/support irrespective of age. Palliative care means the proactive and holistic management of patient. Palliative care is not exclusive to patients with cancer. In some areas, specialist palliative care advice is available 24 hours a day.
