Introduction: The Liverpool care pathway (LCP) was created to aid in the delivery of high-quality palliative care across myriad healthcare providers. After high-profile criticism of the pathway and a subsequent inquiry its use was suspended in the United Kingdom.Objective: The aim of this article is to systematically summarize the conditions leading to the rise and fall of the pathway. The authors also summarize the latest trials, which may point to a beneficial role of the pathway across diverse international settings.Methods: We comprehensively search PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane databases for articles on the use of the LCP from 1997 to present. Keywords ‘LCP,’ ‘Liverpool care pathway,’ and ‘palliative care pathway’ were used. Reference lists of included articles were also assessed for relevant articles.Results: There are two systematic reviews to date with no papers meeting criteria for inclusion. Several studies reported improvements in nausea and breathlessness when using the LCP. One comparative study found the use of the LCP was associated with a reduction in blood tests and radiological investigations with an increase in symptom assessment and palliative medication.Conclusion: There is evidence supporting the on-going use of the LCP in countries other than the UK. Research is challenging in this population and more, well-constructed studies are needed to explore the use of care pathways at the end of life. Further guidance and documentation on communication with patients and their families at the end of life should be considered a priority for development.