Person‐Centered Care Planning: Palliative Symptom Management in Multiple Chronic Conditions

Background: Multiple chronic conditions (MCC) drive high symptom burden and utilization of healthcare resources. Person-centered palliative symptom management approaches are underused in primary care. Approach: Narrative synthesis of major policy recommendations and practice literature to propose a primary-care-implementable framework (screening, triage, and management using Edmonton Symptom Assessment System). Key Points: Early, protocolized symptom screening and management in MCC is associated with fewer exacerbations, hospitalizations, improved physical functioning, and quality of life; feasible to deliver by primary care teams with targeted training. Implications: Shift palliative skills upstream in primary care; adopt standardized tools; and measure quality outcomes.