Table 1.
Findings relating to initiating subcutaneous opioids | |
---|---|
Author | Recommendation 1.1.13: ‘Consider initiating subcutaneous opioids with the lowest acquisition cost for patients in whom oral opioids are not suitable and analgesic requirements are unstable, supported by specialist advice where needed’ |
Flemming18 | Patients may perceive unstable pain as a sign of worsening health, disease progression and impending death |
Flemming18 | Patients and families may fear that any increased dose of morphine will lead to sedation and a hastened death, especially when given through a syringe-drivers |
Gibbins et al.38 | Patients want their pain to be controlled to allow them to keep up their usual activities and social relationships. They may prefer choices of pain management and administration which can best maintain their mobility and independence |