https://club.hcqc.co.uk/c/self-audits/edit-lesson/sections/517639/lessons/2724462
End-of-life care is one of the most sensitive and important responsibilities of general practice. Patients and families need reassurance that their wishes will be respected, their comfort prioritised, and that care will remain compassionate and coordinated throughout.
Why This Audit Was Created
This week’s audit focuses on end-of-life care planning and coordination, in line with the CQC “We” statements on Planning for the future, Independence, choice and control, and Partnerships and communities.
The aim is to ensure that practices identify patients in the final stages of life early enough to plan care meaningfully, that preferences are documented and respected, and that all agencies work together to deliver seamless support.
Why It Matters
- For patients: Early identification and planning ensures that patients are treated with dignity, have their voices heard, and avoid unwanted interventions.
- For families: Compassionate communication and support reduce distress and help families feel included in care decisions.
- For safety and quality: Clear documentation and joined-up working across services reduce risks such as inappropriate admissions or missed anticipatory prescribing.
- For CQC compliance: End-of-life care is a priority inspection focus under Regulation 9 (Person-Centred Care) and Regulation 10 (Dignity and Respect).
What Good Practice Looks Like
- Proactive identification of patients approaching end of life, not just reactive recognition.
- Meaningful care planning discussions with patients and families, captured in accessible records.
- Regular MDT meetings that include GPs, nurses, palliative care specialists, and external partners.
- Anticipatory medicines and equipment available promptly to patients at home.
- Ongoing learning from patient and family feedback, significant events, and mortality reviews.
Final Thoughts
End-of-life care is about more than managing symptoms — it is about ensuring patients live their final months with dignity, choice, and comfort.
This audit provides practices with an opportunity to reflect on how well they are supporting patients and families, how effectively they collaborate with partners, and whether their systems stand up to scrutiny. Most importantly, it helps teams demonstrate to patients, families, and regulators that end-of-life care is compassionate, person-centred, and safe.
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