An online survey of Australian physicians reported practice with the off-label use of nebulised frusemide.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Off-label prescribing is common in palliative care. Despite inconsistent reports of the benefit of nebulised frusemide for breathlessness, its use continues to be reported.

Methods

An online survey was emailed to 249 members of the Australian and New Zealand Society of Palliative Medicine to estimate the use of nebulised frusemide for breathlessness by Australian physicians involved in palliative care in the previous 12 months.

Results

There were 52/249 (21%) respondents to the survey. The majority (44/52; 85%) had not prescribed nebulised frusemide in the previous 12 months. The most common (18/44; 43%) reason for not prescribing nebulised frusemide was a belief that there was not enough evidence to support its use. Whilst only a few respondents (8/52; 15%

SUBMITTER: Newton PJ 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3422185 | biostudies-literature | 2012 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature