In this section : Palliative Care
Deactivation of Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator
Palliative Care – How to Refer
Conversion Charts
Anticipatory ‘As Required’ Medications
Syringe Driver Chart
Scottish Palliative Care Guidelines
Breaking Bad News by Telephone
End of Life Diabetes Care
Fentanyl Patches in the Last Days of Life
Care in the Last Days of Life
Symptom Control
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Anticipatory ‘As Required’ Medications
Last updated 5th February 2021
- There are comprehensive guidelines available on the Scottish Guidelines website or books which have been distributed through D&G.
- Drugs prescribed should be obtained from a pharmacy at the time of prescribing this chart.
- For all symptoms, non-drug treatment should also be considered.
- If you are uncertain how to prescribe or need further guidance on the use of these drugs, please contact the Specialist Palliative Care Team (24/7 advice available) or look at the Scottish Guidelines as needed.
- Only administer these medications if the patient has symptoms, not just in case they develop them.
- Always start with the lowest dose in a range for prn medications. If the initial dose does not last for 4 hours, then increase to the higher prn dose (call for advice if very unsettled / does not last for 4 hours).
- The exception is for COVID–19 patients with severe respiratory distress in last hours of life it may be appropriate to start with the higher dose in the range for agitation / breathlessness – call for advice if unsure.
- When changing the dose, cross through the discontinued line clearly.