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Injectable Opioid Use in Home Palliative Care: A Pilot Survey of Multidisciplinary Role Sharing and Readiness
Shinya Kajiura1, Tomohiko Hayashi2, Makoto Hirano2
1Department of Medical Oncology and Palliative Medicine, Toyama University Hospital, Toyama, Japan.
Journal of Palliative Medicine
|June 19, 2026
Summary
Home palliative care injectable opioid use involves multiple professionals. Prior experience significantly increases willingness, highlighting a readiness gap for wider implementation.
Area of Science:
- Palliative Care
- Pain Management
- Oncology
Background:
- Injectable opioid use in home palliative care necessitates multidisciplinary coordination.
- Limited regional data exist on the implementation of injectable opioids in community palliative care settings.
- A pilot survey was conducted to assess current practices and future willingness.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe the experience, task sharing, difficulties, and future willingness of professionals regarding injectable opioid use in home palliative care.
- To identify barriers and facilitators for the implementation of injectable opioid therapy in a regional palliative care context.
Main Methods:
- An anonymous, web-based, cross-sectional survey was administered.
- Participants included multidisciplinary professionals involved in community-based palliative care in a Japanese regional healthcare area.
- Data were collected on prior experience, task allocation, challenges, and future intentions.
Main Results:
- Of 159 respondents, 73.6% had prior opioid experience, and 62.4% had prior injectable opioid experience.
- Physicians primarily initiated and managed doses, while nurses handled solution/cassette exchange.
- 37.0% of those with injectable opioid experience reported difficulties; future willingness was significantly higher among experienced professionals (56.9% vs. 8.4%).
Conclusions:
- Home injectable opioid practice is a multidisciplinary effort.
- A significant experience-related readiness gap exists, impacting future willingness and implementation.
- Broader regional evaluation and implementation support are recommended to optimize injectable opioid use in palliative care.
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