Symptom management in the terminal phase

Build confidence in end-of-life care through this practical, case-based webinar. With increasing demand for community-based palliative care, GPs and nurse practitioners play a key role in recognising deterioration, initiating anticipatory prescribing, and supporting patients to remain at home.

Led by Dr Greg Parker, this session focuses on the practical use of medications from the National Core Community Palliative Care Medicines List to manage common end-of-life symptoms, including pain, dyspnoea, nausea, agitation, and respiratory secretions. It explores how to prescribe them safely and effectively in the community setting and addresses common uncertainty around medication choice, dosing, and route as patients approach the terminal phase.

It also highlights the importance of communication, coordination, and forward planning to minimise distress, support carers, and avoid unnecessary hospital presentations. The session emphasises how proactive discussions, clear documentation, and timely access to medications can improve the experience of care for both patients and families. Practical strategies to support carers, manage after-hours issues, and work effectively with community nursing and pharmacy services are also explored, reflecting the realities of general practice and the need for coordinated, patient-centred care in the home setting.