“We don’t want to sedate him” - A qualitative interview study on intentions when administering sedative drugs at the end of life in nursing homes and hospitals

• DOI: 10.1186/s12904-021-00832-0
• Publication Date: 2021-09-13T16:03:19Z
• Authors: Sophie Meesters; Bettina Grüne; Claudia Bausewein; Eva Schildmann
• Keywords: Pain medicine

Previous data indicate major differences between countries and settings regarding the intention when administering sedative drugs at end of life perception, which are sedating. Therefore, we aimed to explore concept 'sedative drugs' intentions German healthcare professionals in general palliative care life.Semi-structured qualitative interviews with physicians nurses (n = 49). Recruitment took place via contact persons five hospital departments (haematology/oncology 2), neurology, geriatrics, gynaecology) nursing homes. We thematically analysed transcripts by Framework approach, using MAXQDA version 2018.2.Most interviewees referred benzodiazepines, opioids, antipsychotics. Some subsumed all into drugs, others differentiated anxiolytics, analgesics. In explaining their intention, particularly emphasized what they want avoid drugs. identified three main themes (excluded) intentions: (1) use relieve patient's suffering reduction consciousness as side effect, (2) situation for team and/or family, (3) distinction expectation hastening death. Interviewees often equated term 'sedation' inducing a state unconsciousness, should be avoided.German seem negatively connote 'sedation'. Moreover, see themselves more passive role accepting effect rather than performing an intentional act. Critical reflection indications accordance respective guidelines is needed.