Reporting of Palliative Sedation and Use of Opioids at the End of Life in a Belgian University Hospital: A Pilot Study

Maréchal, Nicolas; Six, Stefaan; Clemmen, Eveline; Baillon, Catherine; Tack, Annelien; Bauwens, Sabien; Noppen, Marc; Distelmans, Wim; Beyer, Ingo; Bilsen, Johan

doi:10.1089/jpm.2021.0113

Cited by 2 publications

(1 citation statement)

References 22 publications

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“…Propofol is mostly used when midazolam is insufficient [30]. Opioids have also been used for palliative sedation in different settings [16,31,32]. However, the use of opioids for sedation has been questioned since sedation is a secondary effect of opioids, rather than the primary effect [16].…”

Section: Drugsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Palliative Sedation—The Last Resort in Case of Difficult Symptom Control: A Narrative Review and Experiences from Palliative Care in Switzerland

Camartin

Björkhem‐Bergman

2022

Life

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Palliative sedation can be considered as “the last resort” in order to treat unbearable, refractory symptoms or suffering in end-of-life patients. The aim is symptom relief and not to induce death as in the case of euthanasia. The treatment might be one of the most challenging therapeutic options in the field of palliative care, involving both ethical and practical issues. Still, studies have shown that it is a safe and valuable treatment and in general does not shorten the life of the patient. Since patients in Switzerland have the legal option of assisted suicide, palliative sedation is an alternative that has become increasingly important. The use of palliative sedation was reported in 17.5% of all patients admitted to palliative care in Switzerland, making the country of those with the highest use of this treatment. The aim of this narrative review is to discuss ethical and practical issues in palliative sedation, with specific focus on experiences from Switzerland. Indications, ethical considerations, drugs of choice and duration are discussed. Decision making should be based on solid guidelines. When used correctly, palliative sedation is an important and useful tool in palliative care in order to provide good symptom relief.

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