Researchers: Dr Melissa Fielding, Dr Ben Bowers, Prof Stephen Barclay, Dr Allison Bentley (University of East Anglia), Dr Louisa Polak, Dr Emilie Couchman (University of Leeds), Dr Sarah Mitchell (University of Leeds)
Funders: NIHR Applied Research Collaboration East of England
Partner institutions: University of Leeds; University of East Anglia; NIHR Applied Research Collaboration East of England
Start date: 01/12/2024
End date: 01/08/2026
Project summary:
This qualitative research project explores how General Practitioners (GPs) perceive their current and future roles in the delivery of palliative and end of life care in the UK. Despite being widely recognised as key figures in coordinating and delivering palliative care, GPs’ roles have become increasingly unclear and fragmented due to systemic pressures, structural changes in healthcare delivery, and evolving professional boundaries. Through in-depth interviews with 20 GPs working in diverse settings and regions within the UK, this study examines their experiences, values, and perceived challenges.
Project aims:
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To explore GPs’ perspectives on their roles in providing palliative and end of life care in contemporary primary care.
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To understand how GPs envision their future involvement in end-of-life care.
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To identify perceived barriers, support and educational needs.
Project impact:
This project seeks to provide timely insights into the evolving role of GPs in palliative and end of life care, highlighting both systemic challenges and professional values. By capturing the lived experiences of GPs, the findings will contribute to national policy and workforce planning in primary palliative care..
Further information, references, publications and presentations:
Polak L, Pollock K, Barclay S, Bowers B. How changes in GPs’ ways of working have affected community nurses: a qualitative study. British Journal of General Practice 2025; 75: e406–e411.
Bowers B, Pollock K, Etkind S, et al. ‘We’ve Taken on a More Advanced Clinical Role’: A Multimethod Study of Community Nurses’ Extended Roles in Palliative Care. Journal of Advanced Nursing 2025; Online First: 1–11.
Bowers B, Bashford T. ‘Make do and mend’: redefining resilience within community healthcare. British Journal of Community Nursing 2025; 30: 364–366.
Couchman E, Pocock L, Bowers B, et al. Reforming primary palliative care: a call to arms. British Journal of General Practice 2024; 74: 4–6.