Primary care management of palliative care emergencies

Abstract

There are relatively few true emergencies in palliative care, but an ability to deal with those that do occur is crucial. Managing major haemorrhage, superior vena cava obstruction or terminal agitation may be a daunting prospect for GPs, and equipping ourselves with the necessary skill set in advance of needing to apply it is vital. In situations where immediate action is required, the goal is usually to prevent a sudden or catastrophic worsening in the patient’s quality of life or symptoms, or to manage a potentially unpleasant mode of death.