[Palliative sedation at a university palliative care unit--a descriptive analysis]

Area of Science:

• Palliative Medicine
• End-of-Life Care
• Symptom Management

Context:

• Palliative sedation (pS) is a crucial intervention for end-stage patients experiencing intolerable, treatment-refractory symptoms.
• This study examines the implementation and outcomes of pS at a university palliative care unit.

Purpose:

• To investigate the practice of palliative sedation (pS) in a university palliative care unit.
• To document indications, decision-making processes, medications used, and symptom relief achieved through pS.

Summary:

• 34% of 99 decedents received pS, primarily for terminal restlessness, dyspnea, and pain.
• Midazolam was the most common medication, often combined with opioids. Nurses were involved in decision-making in 91% of cases.
• Palliative sedation, initiated a median of 27.5 hours before death, resulted in complete or very strong symptom relief in 94% of patients.

Impact:

• Palliative sedation is a successful last resort for managing refractory symptoms in end-of-life care.
• The findings highlight the importance of multidisciplinary involvement and appropriate pharmacotherapy in effective pS.
• This study provides valuable insights into pS practices, informing future palliative care strategies.