If you live in a developed country, you're most likely going to die of a chronic disease.1 ,2 Despite this, and despite programmes to promote quality ‘end of life’ care, the focus of healthcare systems remains steadfastly fixed on acute care and treatment.3–5 It's still not uncommon for patients to be asked about their wishes for end–of-life care as they are being admitted to hospital in crisis. These are decisions that could more easily be made soon after the diagnosis of a life-limiting condition, well before a crisis. Patients often receive diagnoses and therapeutic management in community practices where they know their healthcare providers and …