Palliative care for the patient without cancer

Palliative care aims to improve quality of life for patients with life-limiting illnesses. It is often linked to the care of people with cancer; however, patients with non-cancer end-stage conditions also have significant needs.

The aims of this paper are to discuss common trajectories of deterioration in non-malignant conditions, consider possible barriers to palliative care referral, review the principles of the palliative care approach and illustrate specific factors relevant for common non-cancer conditions.

The symptom burden and care needs for patients with end-stage, nonmalignant illnesses are similar to those of patients with advanced cancer. These patients benefit from a palliative approach, comprising management of the underlying condition and attention to symptoms, psychosocial needs and carer support. Advance care planning provides an opportunity to prepare for future illness episodes, including provision of end-of-life care. General practitioners are well placed to provide palliative care for patients with advanced non-cancer illnesses.