This study investigated current practices when using sedative medication at the end of life in London palliative care organisations. It consisted of focus groups of clinicians and examining documented sedative use in patient records. Participants all reported the use of sedative medication for managing agitation or distress, selecting drugs and dosages as appropriate. None used structured observational tools to assess effect, strongly preferring clinical observation and judgement. The authors concluded practice in these London settings broadly aligns with the EAPC framework for using sedation at end of life but lacks any objective monitoring of depth of sedation. A follow up study explores the use and feasibility of monitoring sedation in practice.
Vivat, B. 2019. Palliative care specialists in hospice and hospital/community teams predominantly use low doses of sedative medication at the end of life for patients comfort rather than sedation: Findings from focus groups and patient records for I-CAN-CARE. Palliative Medicine, online.
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