GPs Encouraged to Start Palliative Care Conversations Earlier
06 Aug 2026
The reminder comes as Palliative Care Australia marks Dying to Know Day on 8 August, a national campaign that encourages Australians to talk openly about death, dying, grief and future care wishes.
Associate Professor Joel Rhee, Chair of RACGP Specific Interests Cancer and Palliative Care, said many GPs already have the knowledge and skills needed to provide high-quality palliative care through their ongoing relationships with patients and their holistic approach to healthcare.
He said one of the biggest misconceptions is that palliative care only involves specialist services. In reality, most patients can receive quality palliative care through their GP, with specialist teams providing additional support for more complex cases.
Associate Professor Rhee also said many people mistakenly believe palliative care only begins when a person is nearing the end of life. Instead, a palliative approach can start much earlier to help manage symptoms, improve quality of life and support patients while they continue receiving treatment.
The World Health Organization defines palliative care as an approach that improves the quality of life of people and families living with life-threatening illness by preventing and relieving suffering through early assessment and treatment of physical, emotional, social and spiritual needs.
According to Associate Professor Rhee, communication, emotional support, care coordination and advance care planning are areas where GPs and practice nurses make a significant difference.
Palliative Care Australia Chief Executive Dr Chris Hatherly said GPs play a central role because they often have long-term relationships with patients and their families.
He said meaningful conversations do not have to happen in a single appointment, and that helping patients discuss what matters most is an important part of quality care.
Experts also recommend tools such as the Surprise Question and the Supportive and Palliative Care Indicators Tool (SPICT) to help identify patients who may benefit from a palliative care approach. Additional resources are available through The Advance Project.
GPs Encouraged to Start Palliative Care Conversations Earlier
Source: newsGP