Provides practical guidance on integrating palliative care and symptom relief into primary health care systems.

The great majority of people who need palliative care prefer to remain at home, thus, it is medically and ethically necessary that palliative care be provided in the community, as part of primary health care PHC). It is neither possible nor necessary that palliative care specialists provide most palliative care and symptom relief. Primary health care providers with basic training in palliative care and symptom relief can respond effectively to most palliative care needs and arrange for transfer to a higher level of care when necessary. Emphasis should be given to continuity of care, respect for patients’ values, equitable access to services, and attention not only to patients but also to their families.

This guide provides practical guidance on integrating palliative care and symptom relief into PHC systems. The topics covered by the guide are: (i) what is palliative care?; (ii) access to palliative care; (iii) what is primary care and why should palliative care be integrated into it?; (iv) essential package of palliative care for primary health care; (v) implementing palliative care in primary care; (vi) ensuring access to essential controlled medicines; (vii) integration of palliative care strengthens public health systems and promotes UHC; and (viii) need for research and quality improvement. In addition, there are sample curricula in palliative care for primary health care providers.