| Abstract: | Palliative care provided to patients with chronic life-limiting illnesses shows improvement in symptom management, quality of life, and caregiver support while reducing cost of care. Early initiation of palliative care faces a multitude of barriers in the primary care setting, including provider confidence, coordination and implementation, education, and family and patient misconceptions. A team-based approach along with additional education, clear referral triggers, and resources for advanced-care planning discussions allows providers to overcome many of these barriers. With the population’s advancing age, it is essential that primary care providers are properly prepared for early initiation of palliative care. |
