• J Palliat Care · Jan 2017

    Continuous Palliative Sedation for Existential Distress? A Survey of Canadian Palliative Care Physicians' Views.

    • Anna Voeuk, Cheryl Nekolaichuk, Robin Fainsinger, and Ann Huot.
    • 1 Division of Palliative Care Medicine, Department of Oncology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.
    • J Palliat Care. 2017 Jan 1; 32 (1): 26-33.

    BackgroundPalliative sedation can be used for refractory symptoms during end-of-life care. However, continuous palliative sedation (CPS) for existential distress remains controversial due to difficulty determining when this distress is refractory.ObjectivesThe aim was to determine the opinions and practices of Canadian palliative care physicians regarding CPS for existential distress.MethodsA survey focusing on experience and views regarding CPS for existential distress was sent to 322 members of the Canadian Society of Palliative Care Physicians.ResultsEighty-one surveys returned (accessible target, 314), resulting in a response rate of 26%. One third (31%) of the respondents reported providing CPS for existential distress. On a 5-point Likert-type scale, 40% of participants disagreed, while 43% agreed that CPS could be used for existential distress alone.ConclusionDiffering opinions exist regarding this complex and potentially controversial issue, necessitating the education of health-care professionals and increased awareness within the general public.

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