Common Emergencies in Palliative Care course for GPs

This session aims to provide an overview of common palliative care emergencies and provide GPs with clear directions on how to manage them.

This session was reviewed by Khyati Bakhai and last updated in June 2020.

Learning Objectives

By the end of this session you will be able to:

• Define the oncology and palliative care emergencies that you are likely to encounter in primary care
• Describe a management plan for each of these emergencies
• Explain the factors that influence your decision as to whether active management of a patient with terminal disease is appropriate
• Recognise that being involved with an oncology or palliative care emergency can be stressful not only for the patient, but also for the health professionals and carers/relatives involved
• Recognise the importance of reflection when involved in a palliative care emergency

The General Practice (GP) curriculum requires GPs to be able to manage oncology and palliative care emergencies that may arise in the community.