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Supportive Care in Cancer
Published in: Supportive Care in Cancer 5/2017

01-05-2017 | Original Article

Attitudes of palliative home care physicians towards palliative sedation at home in Italy

Authors: Sebastiano Mercadante, Francesco Masedu, Alessandro Mercadante, Franco Marinangeli, Federica Aielli

Published in: Supportive Care in Cancer | Issue 5/2017

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Abstract

Background

Information about the attitudes towards palliative sedation (PS) at home is limited.

Aim

The aim of this survey was to assess the attitudes of palliative care physicians in Italy regarding PS at home.

Design

A questionnaire was submitted to a sample of palliative care physicians, asking information about their activity and attitudes towards PS at home.

Setting

This is a survey of home care physicians in Italy who were involved in end-of-life care decisions at home.

Results

One hundred and fifty participants responded. A large heterogeneity of home care organizations that generate some problems was found. Indications, intention and monitoring of PS seem to be appropriate, although some cultural and logistic conditions were limiting the use of PS. Specialized home care physicians are almost involved to start PS at home. Midazolam was seldom available at home and opioids were more frequently used.

Conclusion

These data should prompt health care agencies to make a minimal set of drugs easily available for home care. Further research is necessary to compare attitudes in countries with different sociocultural profiles.
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Metadata
Title
Attitudes of palliative home care physicians towards palliative sedation at home in Italy
Authors
Sebastiano Mercadante
Francesco Masedu
Alessandro Mercadante
Franco Marinangeli
Federica Aielli
Publication date
01-05-2017
Publisher
Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Published in
Supportive Care in Cancer / Issue 5/2017
Print ISSN: 0941-4355
Electronic ISSN: 1433-7339
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s00520-017-3581-3

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