Patient and Family Controlled Palliative Sedation with Midazolam
Author Information
Author(s): Aretha Diamanto, Panteli Eleftheria S, Kiekkas Panagiotis, Karanikolas Menelaos
Primary Institution: Patras University Hospital
Hypothesis
Can Patient/Family-Controlled Sedation with midazolam provide effective symptom control in terminal cancer patients?
Conclusion
Patient/Family-Controlled Sedation with midazolam was effective in providing comfort by allowing titration of sedation to each patient's needs.
Supporting Evidence
- Midazolam was administered in a Patient Control Analgesia mode.
- Family satisfaction was rated as good in seven patients and fair in one.
- No respiratory depression was observed in any patient.
Takeaway
This study shows that patients and their families can help control sedation to make sure the patient is comfortable at the end of life.
Methodology
A case series where midazolam was administered in a Patient Control Analgesia mode to terminal cancer patients.
Potential Biases
The reliance on family members for sedation control may introduce bias in reporting satisfaction and symptom relief.
Limitations
The study included only 8 patients over 4 years and was not a clinical trial.
Participant Demographics
All patients were terminal cancer patients with severe pain and distressing symptoms, aged over 18.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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