The British journal of general practice : the journal of the Royal College of General Practitioners
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Palliative care improves quality of life for people with life-threatening illnesses. There are longstanding inequalities in access to palliative care, with many people never identified as having palliative care needs, particularly frail older people, those with non-malignant disease, and people from ethnic minority backgrounds. Little is known about the process of identification of palliative care needs from a patient perspective. ⋯ A compassionate approach, sharing of prognostic uncertainty, and proactive primary care are key to timely, beneficial identification of palliative care needs. Future policy should ensure that identification is an adaptable, personalised process to meet the individual needs of people with advanced serious illnesses.
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Mode of access to primary care changed during the COVID-19 pandemic; remote consultations became more widespread. With remote consultations likely to continue in UK primary care, it is important to understand people's perceptions of remote consultations and identify potential resulting inequalities. ⋯ These findings can inform the use and adaptation of remote consultations in primary care. Adults with lower educational levels may need additional support to improve their experience and ensure equitable care via remote consultations.