BMC Primary Care is calling for submissions to our Collection, Bridging primary and palliative care. The integration of primary and palliative care is increasingly recognized as essential for improving the quality of life for patients with serious illnesses. This Collection invites research that examines innovative models of care that bridge these two critical domains. The interplay between primary care and palliative care can enhance the patient experience by addressing not only medical needs but also psychosocial and spiritual aspects of care. As healthcare systems evolve, understanding how these two areas can collaborate effectively is crucial for optimizing patient-centered approaches and ensuring comprehensive support for individuals and families.

Advancements in this field highlight the importance of shared decision-making and advanced care planning as mechanisms to enhance communication between healthcare providers and patients. By fostering a collaborative environment, we can empower patients to express their preferences and values concerning their care journey, particularly in the context of end-of-life decisions. Research has shown that integrated approaches lead to better symptom management, reduced hospitalizations, and increased patient and family satisfaction. Ongoing research could transform how we think about and deliver care for patients with serious illnesses.

In this Collection, we welcome submissions that span a wide array of topics, including but not limited to:

- Integrating advanced care planning in primary care

- Shared decision-making in end-of-life care

- Models of palliative care in primary care settings

- Enhancing communication between care teams

All manuscripts submitted to this journal, including those submitted to collections and special issues, are assessed in line with our editorial policies and the journal’s peer-review process. Reviewers and editors are required to declare competing interests and can be excluded from the peer review process if a competing interest exists.

BMC Primary Care is calling for submissions to our Collection Communication in primary care. Effective communication in primary care is crucial for fostering strong patient-doctor relationships and enhancing health outcomes. This Collection aims to explore the various dimensions of communication within primary care settings, including patient-doctor interactions, the role of health literacy, and the dynamics of shared decision-making. By investigating these elements, we can better understand how communication influences patient experiences, satisfaction, and adherence to treatment plans.

The significance of communication in primary care has gained heightened attention, particularly in light of recent advances in telehealth and digital health technologies. These innovations have transformed traditional communication methods, presenting both opportunities and challenges for healthcare providers. Additionally, effective communication strategies have been shown to improve patient engagement, reduce misunderstandings, and promote collaborative care. As healthcare systems increasingly prioritize patient-centered approaches, understanding and enhancing communication practices is essential for delivering high-quality primary care.

Continued research in this field may lead to the development of novel communication frameworks and training programs that equip healthcare providers with the skills necessary to navigate the complexities of patient interactions. This could result in more effective shared decision-making processes, ultimately improving health outcomes and patient satisfaction. Additionally, advancements in technology may facilitate more personalized communication strategies, bridging gaps in understanding and fostering stronger patient-provider relationships.

In this Collection, we welcome submissions that cover a wide array of topics, including but not limited to:

- Strategies for enhancing patient-doctor communication

- Health literacy and patient engagement

- Impact of technology on healthcare communication

- Shared decision-making in primary care

All manuscripts submitted to this journal, including those submitted to collections and special issues, are assessed in line with our editorial policies and the journal’s peer review process. Reviewers and editors are required to declare competing interests and can be excluded from the peer review process if a competing interest exists.