Challenges in opioid therapy implementation: national survey of palliative care consultation services.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Palliative care consultation services in hospitals can improve symptom control in patients with advanced illness by recommending or prescribing WHO step III opioids. However, effective treatment depends on the attending ward team which implements these therapies. While deviations from the opioid therapy recommended by the palliative care service and also treatment errors are often an issue in everyday life, there is no current data on the extent of the problem. This study explored the experiences of palliative care consultation services with the implementation of opioid recommendations by the attending ward team.

Methods

The questionnaire was developed through a multi-step process, including e.g. literature analysis and pre-testing with cognitive interviews. A clo

SUBMITTER: Mueller E 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12539157 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature