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Primary palliative care; Primary care physicians; Symptom management; Healthcare communication; Specialty palliative care

Introduction

Primary care physicians (PCPs) serve as the cornerstone in our healthcare system, playing a pivotal role in the continuum of patient care by being the initial point of contact for individuals seeking medical assistance. They provide comprehensive healthcare services, addressing preventive care, disease management, and acute medical needs [1-3]. This central role uniquely positions PCPs to offer primary palliative care, a holistic approach aimed at improving the quality of life for patients facing serious illnesses, recognizing that palliative care goes beyond end-of-life considerations to address the challenges accompanying chronic, debilitating, or life-threatening conditions. PCPs inherently possess essential skills and competencies, refined through medical training and practice, enabling them to significantly contribute to patient well-being [4-7]. This includes expertise in symptom management, effective communication, advance care planning, offering emotional support, and facilitating discussions about goals of care [8]. While PCPs excel in primary palliative care, referrals to specialty palliative care teams may be warranted in cases of complex symptom management, psychosocial and spiritual distress, ethical dilemmas, uncertain prognoses, and considerations of hospice eligibility [9,10]. Collaborative efforts between PCPs and palliative care specialists ensure a comprehensive, patient-centered approach, ultimately enhancing patient comfort and overall quality of life.

Conclusion

Primary care physicians stand at the forefront of our healthcare system, serving as the initial and essential point of contact for patients across diverse health conditions. Within this pivotal role, they are uniquely positioned to deliver primary palliative care, a focus on enhancing the overall quality of life for individuals facing serious illnesses. Leveraging their training and clinical expertise, PCPs have honed indispensable skills in symptom management, communication, advance care planning, emotional support, and facilitating discussions about goals of care. However, the timely recognition of situations requiring the involvement of specialty palliative care teams is equally crucial. These specialized teams contribute their expertise in addressing complex symptoms, psychosocial and spiritual distress, ethical challenges, uncertain prognoses, and hospice care. Through collaborative efforts, primary care physicians and palliative care specialists ensure that patients experience comprehensive, patient-centered care throughout their illness journey. Their shared commitment revolves around optimizing comfort and quality of life, embodying a holistic and compassionate approach to healthcare.

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