Implications for practice and research > Professionals could be more assertive in leading discussion around palliative care and be clearer about what this means in terms of disease trajectory and well-being for their patients. > Professionals need to discuss more effectively the holistic needs of their patients. Where it is appropriate to have open conversations about death and dying, this can be worthwhile for patients to encourage uptake of palliative care services and end-of-life care planning. > There is scope to explore further the communication practices and needs of professionals and patients with a range of life-limiting or life-threatening conditions in different care settings. > Due to the sensitive and complex nature of palliative care communication, therapeutic interventions are needed to be developed. To read the full article, log in using your NHS OpenAthens details.