This study describes a novel type of support for GPs caring for patients dying at home: the establishment and evaluation of a telephone advisory service for GPs, run by GPs with a special interest in palliative care (GPwSIs) in the Netherlands 2000-2003. A growing number of GPs called for advice, 10% during out of hours. Prognosis of the patients was generally short (days to weeks in 70% of cases). Most advice sought by GPs concerned symptom management and on evaluation, 85% of the GPs followed the advice.