Home-based palliative care

Abstract

Background While most people say they would prefer to be cared for and to die at home, this outcome is often not achieved. This represents a service gap that general practitioners (GPs) are optimally positioned to fill. Objectives The aim of this paper is to synthesise existing evidence-based frameworks of palliative care together with other resources, to present a cohesive model of care that GPs can easily systematise to guide high-quality home-based palliative care. Discussion Key clinical processes include advance care planning and development of medical goals of patient care plans and terminal care plans. Three essential elements for high-quality palliative care incorporated into the model include a compassionate GP, the care team and various practical resources. Palliative care sits well within the GP specialist scope of practice. GPs have at their disposal many resources that effectively and efficiently support them in their palliative care practice.