Box 1.

Inclusion and exclusion criteria.

Inclusion criteria: Published papers presenting empirical research on the prescribing of injectable medications ahead of need to control terminal symptoms for adults (aged 18 years and over). Participants receiving care at home in the community (including nursing and residential home care settings). Peer-reviewed quantitative and qualitative studies, case studies, audits, and published conference abstracts. Key areas for data extraction: Descriptions of current practice; Patient-reported acceptance and views; Family carer–reported acceptance and views; Healthcare professional–reported acceptance and views; Patient comfort/symptom control (reported by whom); Evidence for cost-effectiveness, including impact on: - Admission avoidance; - Place of death; - Healthcare activity; - Cost of drugs. Studies published up until May 2017. English language full text. Exclusion criteria: Anticipatory prescribing in non-terminal care situations. Prescriptions that do not include injectable medication. Children (aged 17 years or under). Prescribing in hospital, hospice, or prisons. Papers with no new empirical data, for example, editorials, opinion papers, or narrative reviews. Research examining assisted dying or euthanasia. Research examining continuous sedation until death. Studies concerning administration of medication via continuous subcutaneous infusion (syringe driver). Grey literature.