Category: Palliative care

Worldwide, an estimated 56.8 million people require palliative care annually, yet only about 14% receive it [1.6.3]. For these patients and others with chronic illness, understanding **what are the principles of symptom management?** is crucial for improving quality of life by addressing physical and psychological distress [1.6.3].

Terminal agitation and restlessness affect up to 88% of patients in palliative care in the final days of life. Understanding **what meds help with terminal agitation** is crucial for providing comfort and peace during this sensitive time. These pharmacological interventions are often part of a broader palliative care strategy that also includes non-medicinal approaches to address distressing symptoms.

According to the American Cancer Society, up to 90% of cancer patients may experience breakthrough pain at some point during their treatment. Understanding **breakthrough pain medication dosing** is essential for those with chronic pain conditions, as it provides a crucial layer of relief when regular, long-acting medications are not enough. This guide explores the principles and practices of dosing for these temporary but intense pain flares.

In palliative care, managing severe pain is a primary concern, and strong opioids are the cornerstone of this treatment approach. While many options exist, morphine is often considered a standard, but the choice of which opioid is commonly used for severe pain in palliative care depends on various patient-specific factors, including tolerability, route of administration, and renal function.

According to a systematic review published by the National Institutes of Health, anticipatory prescribing is a recommended practice in controlling distressing symptoms in the last days of life. But **what are anticipatory meds?** Often called 'just in case' medications, they are essential in palliative care to ensure comfort for patients and their families by having crucial symptom-relief drugs ready at home.

As of 2022, 96% of U.S. hospitals with 300 or more beds have a palliative care team, demonstrating a deep integration of comfort-focused principles in healthcare. This approach is the essence of **what is solace medicine**: a philosophy centered on providing relief, comfort, and quality of life for individuals with serious illnesses.