Table 1 Search algorithm

Search algorithm

Patients were identified if they had any of the following and had not already been identified for palliative care (ie already had a palliative care READ code already in place

•  A READ code indicating at least one of the following conditions within the last 18 months.

ο Cancer diagnosis

• stomach, pancreas, lung

•  any metastatic cancer

ο Chemotherapy or radiotherapy treatment

ο MRC breathlessness - stage 5

ο Chronic kidney disease - stage 5

ο Diuretic resistant ascites

ο Alcoholic and non-alcoholic cirrhosis of the liver

ο Chronic liver disease

ο Housebound patient

ο An Exception made from any of the following Quality Indicators (QoF):

•  Heart failure, diabetes, COPD, dementia, stroke, peripheral arterial disease

•  Any coding for heart failure cross-referenced with chronic kidney disease - stage 4 or 5 (This combination carries a poor prognosis)