Background Most people in Sweden die at an advanced age and thus need palliative care in the last years of their lives, i.e. a person-centred, team-based approach designed to improve the quality of life and wellbeing of the sick person and their families. Although there is currently evidence to suggest the need for the early integration of palliative care in progressive life-threatening conditions, this is not yet routine. This means that desired impact on patients' symptom relief and well-being is not achieved. Aim To collaboratively develop an implementation strategy for the early integration of palliative care in Swedish nursing homes. Method The study was designed using participatory methods; the implementation strategy was developed in close collaboration with stakeholders (KTA framework). Participants included physicians and nurses in nursing homes, their respective unit manager from regional and municipal primary care, and patient representatives (13). Data were collected through workshops, and individual and group interviews with healthcare staff. Interpretive description was applied in the analysis. Preliminary results Challenges of conducting development projects within a nursing home setting became clear and especially related to the need for close collaboration between multiple stakeholders. During the study, an overall and increasing awareness of palliative care needs among the old people cared for in the nursing homes was apparent. All participating services adopted the use of medical care plans around palliative care needs and talked about models for serious illness conversations to be valuable. These new routines were believed to facilitate the integration of palliative care earlier on into their practice. Conclusions All participants perceived the project as important and relevant, and that it has the potential to contribute to a scalable implementation strategy. The findings from this study will form the basis of a future feasibility study involving a wider range of stakeholders.