GP’s research shedding light on end-of-life care

A GP-led study has revealed the critical role general practice plays in delivering high-quality care to cancer patients at the end of life.
 
Led by Dr Matthew Grant, the research has, for the first time, linked primary care, hospital, and mortality data to examine how GPs support patients in their final months.
 
The research was supported by a RACGP Foundation/HCF Research Foundation Research Grant, as well as additional funding from the St Vincent’s Research Endowment Fund.
 
The study, Establishing patterns of primary care usage at the end of life in cancer, focused on the last six months of life for cancer patients, a period when healthcare needs and spending often peak.
 
Using data from around 10,000 patients, the research provides valuable insights into the use of GP services, the quality of care delivered, and opportunities for improvement.
 
The study revealed that 88% of cancer patients visited their GP in the last six months of life, with an average of 10.9 visits, increasing closer to the end of life.
 
It found most GP care centred on symptom relief, particularly pain management, with minimal unnecessary imaging (3%) or pathology requests (10%).
 
However, home visits (11%) and anticipatory medications (18%), both linked to better end-of-life outcomes, were underused, highlighting areas for improvement in primary care.
 
On World Cancer Day, 4 February, it is hoped the research will serve as a reminder of the importance of integrated care and the essential role GPs play in supporting cancer patients through their journey, particularly in their final months.
 
‘This data linkage allows us to understand the meaningful contributions of general practice to end-of-life care for the first time,’ Dr Grant said.
 
‘It’s clear that GPs are central to supporting patients during this critical time, particularly in managing pain and other symptoms. Yet, there are areas where we need to improve access and continuity.’
 
Dr Grant highlighted the importance of home visits and anticipatory medications as part of high-quality care.
 
‘These practices are associated with fewer hospital admissions and better outcomes, but they remain underused. Increasing their availability could make a big difference for patients and their families,’ he said.
 
‘We found that patients with consistent GP involvement had better experiences and outcomes, especially those with complex needs or multiple health conditions.’
 
According to the researchers, these findings have already influenced discussions on improving palliative care services and have laid the groundwork for further advancements in healthcare delivery.
 
It is also hoped the linked data generated from this study will serve as a valuable tool for researchers aiming to enhance primary care in the future.
 
Dr Grant said the results highlight the need for better integration between general practice and hospital care and provides actionable insights to guide healthcare planning.
 
‘RACGP funding has been instrumental in making this work possible,’ he said.
 
‘It’s not just about this study—it’s about creating a resource that can guide future research and improve care for all Australians.
 
‘This research has shown the vital role of GPs in end-of-life care, but it’s also revealed gaps we need to address … our goal is to ensure that every cancer patient has access to the care they need, wherever they are.’
 
More information about the Australian General Practice Research Foundation is available on the RACGP website.
 
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