A Good Death: The GP's Role in Palliative and End-of-Life Care

Send us Fan MailWhat does it really mean to help someone die well — and how can GPs lead that journey?In this episode, a seasoned GP and a curious registrar sit down to talk through one of the most human — and most underappreciated — parts of general practice: caring for patients as they approach the end of life.Drawing on the RACGP Silver Book, the Australian Family Physician framework for proactive palliative care, and the Australian Government's End-of-Life Pathway for clinicians, they unpack the practical, clinical, and deeply personal dimensions of this work.From recognising which illness trajectory your patient is on, to having the "surprise question" conversation, to knowing which eight medicines to have on hand for terminal symptom management — this episode gives GPs and registrars a clear, compassionate roadmap for end-of-life care in the community.In this episode:The three illness trajectories and why they change your clinical approachHow the palliative care framework guides decision-making from months out to daysAdvance care planning: when to start it, how to document it, and how to make it stickAnticipatory prescribing, deprescribing, and the doctrine of double effectThe Australian End-of-Life Pathway — what it means for GPs and nurse practitioners on the groundCultural considerations, including care for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoplesGP self-care and preventing compassion fatigueWhether you're a registrar navigating your first end-of-life conversations or a GP looking to sharpen your approach, this episode will leave you better equipped — and reminded of why this work matters.GP Fellowship exams, AMC MCQ Recalls, AMC Clinical Exam criteria, Australian therapeutic guidelines, PESCI preparation. ⚠️ Disclaimer: The voices in this podcast are AI-generated. This content is produced for entertainment and learning purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Clinical decisions should always be made in accordance with current guidelines, individual patient circumstances, and in consultation with appropriate colleagues and specialists.Support the show⚠️ Disclaimer: The voices in this podcast are AI-generated. This content is produced for entertainment and learning purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Clinical decisions should always be made in accordance with current guidelines, individual patient circumstances, and in consultation with appropriate colleagues and specialists.