There is need to improve the end-of-life experience for people in our communities and in the country as whole. Family Physicians play an important role in the care of people of all ages including those in need of palliative care services and people approaching end-of-life. Family Medicine’s philosophy of care is well suited to the needs of people seeking these services. Family physicians care for substantial numbers of people in the office, hospital, nursing facilities, and at home who need palliative care and end-of-life services.

Through this project, we seek to articulate and advance the ability of Family Physicians to respond to these issues. A leadership team and working groups composed of Family Medicine leaders and other health professionals will .

1) Support a movement that advances a positive experience for those approaching end-of-life;

2) Create a network of Family Physicians with an interest in strengthening Family Physicians and all primary care providers’ ability to offer high quality, end-of-life and palliative care services to their patients and in their communities;

3) Strengthen and improve the palliative care and end-of-life clinical operations in all settings in which Family Physicians are active;

4) Develop products and services that can be used to educate health professionals at all levels and the general public about end-of-life and palliative care services;

5) Drawing on a Family Medicine philosophy of care, plan and implement a research agenda that will improve people’s end-of-life experience and the services that support them.