General practitioners (GPs) and end-of-life care: a qualitative study of Australian GPs and specialist palliative care clinicians.

GPs have a key role in the planning and provision of end-of-life care. GPs could be encouraged in this role by providing them with education and practical experience in end-of-life care, making changes to remuneration structure, formalised arrangements for shared care and encouraging continuity of care and developing long-term relationship with their patients.