Please attach patient sticker here or record: Name:... Unit No: D.O.B: .//...

Male Female

Consultant: ...

Ward: ......

Care Pathway for the Dying Phase

For Use in a Community Hospital or Care Home
DO NOT PUT PATIENT ON THIS PATHWAY UNLESS All possible reversible causes for current condition have been considered (Unless an advanced care plan is in place which specifies that life-prolonging measures are not wished by the patient and/or clinically inappropriate) AND The multi-professional team has agreed that the patient is dying, and two of the following may apply: The patient is bedbound Only able to take sips of fluids Semi-comatose

No longer able to take tablets

PREFERRED PLACE OF CARE FOR DYING PHASE

Home Hospice Hospital

If preferred place of care is hospice or hospital, please document in the multidisciplinary progress notes why care is being provided at home. This Care Pathway has been developed by a multidisciplinary team. It is intended as a GUIDE to care and treatment, and an aid to documenting patient and family care. All healthcare professionals are of course free to exercise their own professional judgment when using this Pathway. However if the Care Pathway is varied from for any reason, the reason for variation and subsequent action taken must be documented on the multidisciplinary progress notes. If you have any problems completing the pathway please contact a member of your local specialist palliative care team.

Guidelines referred to when developing this Care Pathway 1. 2. 3. 4. Guidelines for the Use of Drugs in Symptom Control West Midlands Palliative Care Physicians. 4th Edition 2007 Care of the Dying Pathway (Hospital) Liverpool Care Pathway (version 11) (2008) Worcestershire Do Not Attempt Resuscitation Policy (DNAR) 2007 Ellershaw JE, Wilkinson S (2003) Care of the dying: A pathway to excellence. Oxford: Oxford University Press.
Page 1 of 18 Final Version Revised August 2010

Worcestershire Primary Care NHS Trust 2010 Care Pathway for Dying Phase

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Consultant: ...

Ward: ......

Abbreviations used in Care Pathway RN CNS PCT Registered Nurse Clinical Nurse Specialist Palliative Care Team Dr C T Doctor Chaplain / clergy / religious adviser Any member of the above team

Instructions for use All goals are in heavy typeface. Interventions, which act as prompts to support the goals, are in normal type. The palliative care guidelines are printed on the pages at the end of the pathway. Please make reference as necessary. If you have any problems regarding the pathway contact the Palliative Care Team. Practitioners are free to exercise their own professional judgment; however, any alteration to the practice identified within this LCP must be noted as a variance on the sheet at the back of the pathway.

Worcestershire Primary Care NHS Trust 2010 Care Pathway for Dying Phase

Page 2 of 18 Final Version Revised August 2010

Please attach patient sticker here or record: Name:... Unit No: D.O.B: .//... Male Female

Consultant: ...

Ward: ......

Consultant/GP:.......................................

Named nurse:...........................................

Ward: ................

All personnel completing the care pathway please sign below Name (print) Full signature Initials Professional title Date

Worcestershire Primary Care NHS Trust 2010 Care Pathway for Dying Phase

Page 3 of 18 Final Version Revised August 2010

Please attach patient sticker here or record: Name:... Unit No: D.O.B: .//... Female Male ADD OWN ORGANISATIONAL LOGO HERE Date/Time commenced:...........................

Section 1
Diagnosis & Demographics Designation: Dr / RN Decision to use Pathway Designation: Dr / RN

Initial assessment
PRIMARY DIAGNOSIS: SECONDARY DIAGNOSIS:

Date of In-patient admission (if relevant):. Decision Made: At GP Assessment At Joint GP/Nurse Assessment Supported by Advanced Care Plan / Advanced Decision After Telephone Consultation between GP and Nurse Please record detail in multidisciplinary progress notes.

Physical Condition Designation: Dr / RN

Unable to swallow Nausea Vomiting Constipated Confused Agitation Restless Distressed

Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes

No No No No No No No No

Aware Conscious UTI problems Catheterised Respiratory tract secretions Dyspnoea Pain Other (e.g. oedema, itch)

Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes

No No No No No No No No

Comfort measures Designation: Dr / RN

Goal 1: Current medication assessed and non essentials discontinued Yes No Appropriate oral drugs converted to subcutaneous route and syringe driver commenced if appropriate. Inappropriate medication discontinued. Goal 2: PRN subcutaneous medication written up for list below as per protocol (See sheets at back of LCP for guidance) Pain Analgesia Yes No Agitation Anxiolytic Yes No Respiratory tract secretions Anticholinergic Yes No Nausea & vomiting Anti-emetic Yes No Dyspnoea Opioid / Anxiolytic Yes No Goal 3: Discontinue inappropriate interventions Blood test (including BM monitoring) Yes No N/A Antibiotics Yes No N/A I.V.s (fluids/medications) Yes No N/A Not for cardiopulmonary resuscitation recorded Yes No (Please record below & complete appropriate associated documentation - policy/procedure) ............................................................................................................................................... Deactivate cardiac defibrillators (ICDs) Yes No N/A If deactivation required contact local pacing clinic

Doctor / RN signature: ..
Designation: RN

Date: Time: ..

Goal 3a: Decisions to discontinue inappropriate nursing interventions taken Yes No Routine turning regime reposition for comfort only consider pressure relieving mattress & appropriate assessments re skin integrity - taking vital signs. If BM monitoring in place reduce frequency as appropriate e.g. once daily Goal 3b: Syringe driver set up within 4 hours of doctors order Nurse signature: .......................................... Yes No N/A Time:..........

Designation: RN

Date: .......................................

Worcestershire Primary NHS Trust 2010 Care Pathway for Dying Phase

Page 4 of 18 Final Version Revised August 2010

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Section 1
Psychological/ Insight

Initial assessment - continued

Goal 4: Ability to communicate in English assessed as adequate a) Patient Yes No Comatosed b) Family/other ................................. .Yes No Goal 5: Insight into condition assessed Aware of diagnosis a) Patient b) Family/other Recognition of dying c) Patient d) Family/other

Sign/Desig Date/Time

Yes No Comatosed Yes No Yes No Comatosed Yes No

Religious/ Spiritual support

Goal 6: Religious/spiritual needs assessed a) with Patient Yes No Comatosed b) with Family/other Yes No Patient/other may be anxious for self/others Consider specific cultural needs Consider support of Familys Faith Leader eg. Vicar, Priest, Iman, Rabbi Religious Tradition identified, Yes No N/A if yes specify: Support of Chaplaincy Team offered Yes No In-house support Tel/bleep no: Name: . Date/time: External support Tel/bleep no: Name: .. Date/time: Comments (Special needs now, at time of impending death, at death & after death identified)

Communication with family/other

Goal 7: Identify how family/other are to be informed of patients impending death Yes No At any time Not at night-time Stay overnight at Hospital Primary contact name:......................................................................................................... Relationship to patient: ............................................. Tel no: ............................................. Secondary contact: ............................................................................................................. Tel no:............................................................................................................................... Goal 8: Family/other given hospital information on:Yes No Facilities leaflet available to address: Car parking; Accommodation; Beverage facilities; Payphones; Washrooms & toilet facilities on the ward; Visiting times; Any other relevant information.

Communication with primary health care team Summary

Goal 9: G.P. Practice is aware of patients condition Yes G.P. Practice to be contacted if unaware patient is dying, message can be left with the receptionist

No

Goal 10: Plan of care explained & discussed with: a) Patient Yes No Comatosed b) Family/other ................................. ..Yes No Goal 11: Family/other express understanding of planned care Yes No Family/other aware that the planned care is now focused on care of the dying & their concerns are identified & documented. The LCP document may be discussed as appropriate If you have charted No against any goal so far, please complete variance sheet on the back page. Health Professional signature: ......................................... Date: ............................................................................. Worcestershire Primary NHS Trust 2010 Care Pathway for Dying Phase Title: ....................... .... Time:. Page 5 of 18 Final Version Revised August 2010

Please attach patient sticker here or record: Name:... Unit No: D.O.B: .//... Date: .................................................... Male Female

Codes (please enter in columns) A= Achieved Section 2

Ongoing assessment Pain Goal: Patient is pain free Verbalised by patient if conscious Pain free on movement Appears peaceful Consider need for positional change

V=Variance (not a signature)

08:00 12:00 16:00 20:00 24:00

Patient problem/focus

04:00

Agitation Goal: Patient is not agitated Patient does not display signs of delirium, terminal anguish, restlessness (thrashing, plucking, twitching) Exclude retention of urine as cause Consider need for positional change Respiratory tract secretions Goal: Excessive secretions are not a problem Medication to be given as soon as symptoms arise Symptom discussed with family/other Consider need for positional change

Nausea & vomiting Goal: Patient does not feel nauseous or vomits Patient verbalises if conscious

Dyspnoea Goal: Breathlessness is not distressing for patient Patient verbalises if conscious. Consider need for positional change.

Other symptoms (e.g. oedema, itch) ................................................. Treatment/procedures Mouth care Goal: Mouth is moist and clean Mouth care assessment at least 4 hourly Frequency of mouth care depends on individual need Family/other involved in care given

Micturition difficulties Goal: Patient is comfortable Urinary catheter if in retention Urinary catheter or pads, if general weakness creates incontinence Medication (If medication not required please record as N/A) Goal: All medication is given safely & accurately If syringe driver in progress check at least 4 hourly according to monitoring sheet Signature

Worcestershire Primary Care NHS Trust 2010 Care Pathway for Dying Phase

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Codes (please enter in columns) A= Achieved

Mobility/Pressure area care

V=Variance

08:00

20:00

Goal: Patient is comfortable and in a safe environment Clinical assessment of: Skin integrity Need for positional change Need for special mattress Personal hygiene, bed bath, eye care needs

Bowel care Psychological/ Insight support

Goal: Patient is not agitated or distressed due to constipation or diarrhoea

Patient
Goal: Patient becomes aware of the situation as appropriate

Patient is informed of procedures Touch, verbal communication is continued

Family/other
Goal: Family/other are prepared for the patients imminent death with the aim

Religious/ Spiritual support

of achieving peace of mind and acceptance Check understanding of nominated family/others / younger adults / children Check understanding of other family/others not present at initial assessment Ensure recognition that patient is dying & of the measures taken to maintain comfort Psychological support offered

Goal: Appropriate religious/spiritual support has been given Patient/other may be anxious for self/others Consider spiritual/faith needs Involve faith leaders as appropriate

Care of the family /others

Consider health needs & social support.

Ensure awareness of ward facilities

Goal: The needs of those attending the patient are accommodated

Signature
Health Professional Signature Early: ................................................. Late: .............................................. .. Night: ...............................

Worcestershire Primary Care NHS Trust 2010 Care Pathway for Dying Phase

Page 7 of 18 Final Version Revised August 2010

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Codes (please enter in columns) A= Achieved Section 2

Pain Goal: Patient is pain free Verbalised by patient if conscious Pain free on movement Appears peaceful Consider need for positional change

V=Variance (not a signature)

08:00 12:00 16:00 20:00 24:00

Patient problem/focus

04:00

Ongoing assessment

Agitation Goal: Patient is not agitated Patient does not display signs of delirium, terminal anguish, restlessness (thrashing, plucking, twitching) Exclude retention of urine as cause Consider need for positional change Respiratory tract secretions Goal: Excessive secretions are not a problem Medication to be given as soon as symptoms arise Symptom discussed with family/other Consider need for positional change

Nausea & vomiting Goal: Patient does not feel nauseous or vomits Patient verbalises if conscious

Dyspnoea Goal: Breathlessness is not distressing for patient Patient verbalises if conscious. Consider need for positional change. Other symptoms (e.g. oedema, itch) ................................................. Treatment/procedures Mouth care Goal: Mouth is moist and clean Mouth care assessment at least 4 hourly Frequency of mouth care depends on individual need Family/other involved in care given

Micturition difficulties Goal: Patient is comfortable Urinary catheter if in retention Urinary catheter or pads, if general weakness creates incontinence Medication (If medication not required please record as N/A) Goal: All medication is given safely & accurately If syringe driver in progress check at least 4 hourly according to monitoring sheet Signature Repeat this page 24 hrly. Spare copies on Ward If you have charted V against any goal so far, please complete variance sheet on the back page

Worcestershire Primary Care NHS Trust 2010 Care Pathway for Dying Phase

Page 8 of 18 Final Version Revised August 2010

Please attach patient sticker here or record: Name:... Unit No: D.O.B: .//... Male Female

Date: ....................................................

Codes (please enter in columns) A= Achieved

Mobility/Pressure area care Clinical assessment of: Skin integrity Need for positional change Need for special mattress Personal hygiene, bed bath, eye care needs Bowel care Psychological/ Insight support

V=Variance

08:00

20:00

Goal: Patient is comfortable and in a safe environment

Goal: Patient is not agitated or distressed due to constipation or diarrhoea Patient Goal: Patient becomes aware of the situation as appropriate Patient is informed of procedures Touch, verbal communication is continued

Family/other Goal: Family/other are prepared for the patients imminent death with the aim of achieving peace of mind and acceptance Religious/ Spiritual support Check understanding of nominated family/others / younger adults / children Check understanding of other family/others not present at initial assessment Ensure recognition that patient is dying & of the measures taken to maintain comfort Chaplaincy Team support offered

Goal: Appropriate religious/spiritual support has been given Patient/other may be anxious for self/others Support of Chaplaincy Team may be helpful Consider cultural needs

Care of the family /others

Goal: The needs of those attending the patient are accommodated Consider health needs & social support. Ensure awareness of ward facilities

Signature

Worcestershire Primary Care NHS Trust 2010 Care Pathway for Dying Phase

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Codes (pleaseprogress enter in columns) Multidisciplinary notes Section 2

Pain
Goal: Patient is pain free

A= Achieved
04:00

V=Variance (not a signature)

08:00 12:00 16:00 20:00 24:00

Patient problem/focus

Ongoing assessment

Verbalised by patient if conscious Pain free on movement Appears peaceful Consider need for positional change

Agitation
Goal: Patient is not agitated Patient does not display signs of delirium, terminal anguish, restlessness (thrashing, plucking, twitching) Exclude retention of urine as cause Consider need for positional change

Respiratory tract secretions

Goal: Excessive secretions are not a problem Medication to be given as soon as symptoms arise Consider need for positional change Symptom discussed with family/other

Nausea & vomiting

Goal: Patient does not feel nauseous or vomits Patient verbalises if conscious

Dyspnoea
Goal: Breathlessness is not distressing for patient Patient verbalises if conscious. Consider need for positional change.

Other symptoms (e.g. oedema, itch) .................................................

Treatment/procedures Mouth care

Goal: Mouth is moist and clean

See mouth care policy Mouth care assessment at least 4 hourly Frequency of mouth care depends on individual need Family/other involved in care given

Micturition difficulties
Goal: Patient is comfortable Urinary catheter if in retention Urinary catheter or pads, if general weakness creates incontinence

Medication (If medication not required please record as N/A)

Goal: All medication is given safely & accurately

If syringe driver in progress check at least 4 hourly according to monitoring sheet

Signature
Repeat this page 24 hrly. Spare copies on Ward If you have charted V against any goal so far, please complete variance sheet on the back page

Worcestershire Primary Care NHS Trust 2010 Care Pathway for Dying Phase

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Date: .................................................... SECTION 3: Confirmation of death Time of death: ...................

Date of death:.......................................................................................

Persons present: ............................................................................................................................... Notes:............................................................................................................................................... ........................................................................................................................................................ Signature: ........................................................................................... Time of confirmation: ..........

Care after death

Goal 12: GP Practice contacted re patients death If out of hours contact on next working day

Date __/__/__

Yes No

Goal 13: Procedures for laying out followed according to hospital policy Carry out specific religious / spiritual / cultural needs - requests

Yes No

Goal 14: Procedure following death discussed or carried out Yes No Check for the following: Explain mortuary viewing as appropriate Family aware cardiac devices (ICDs) or pacemaker must be removed prior to cremation Post mortem discussed as appropriate. Input patients death on hospital computer Goal 15: Family/other given information on hospital procedures Hospital information booklet given to family/other about necessary legal tasks Relatives/other informed to ring Bereavement Office after 10.00am on next working day to make an appointment to collect death certificate Goal 16:Hospital policy followed for patients valuables & belongings Belongings and valuables are signed for by identified person Property packed for collection. Valuables listed and stored safely Goal 17:Necessary documentation & advice is given to the appropriate person No What to do after death booklet given (DHSS) Goal 18: Bereavement leaflet given Information leaflet on grieving and local support given Yes No

Yes No

Yes

Yes No

If you have charted No against any goal so far, please complete variance sheet at the back of the pathway before signing below Health Professional signature:.....................................................................

Date: ..................................................

Have you completed the last 4 & 12 hourly observation Please contact the Palliative Care Team to inform them that this patient was on a pathway.

Worcestershire Primary Care NHS Trust 2010 Care Pathway for Dying Phase

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Variance analysis
What Variance occurred & why? Action Taken Outcome

Signature. Date/Time.

Signature. Date/Time.

Signature. Date/Time.

Signature. Date/Time.

Signature. Date/Time.

Signature. Date/Time.

Signature. Date/Time.

Signature. Date/Time.

Signature. Date/Time.

Signature. Date/Time.

Signature. Date/Time.

Signature. Date/Time.

Signature. Date/Time.

Signature. Date/Time.

Signature. Date/Time.

Worcestershire Primary Care NHS Trust 2010 Care Pathway for Dying Phase

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Variance analysis
What Variance occurred & why? Action Taken Outcome

Signature. Date/Time.

Signature. Date/Time.

Signature. Date/Time.

Signature. Date/Time.

Signature. Date/Time.

Signature. Date/Time.

Signature. Date/Time.

Signature. Date/Time.

Signature. Date/Time.

Signature. Date/Time.

Signature. Date/Time.

Signature. Date/Time.

Worcestershire Primary Care NHS Trust 2010 Care Pathway for Dying Phase

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Pain
Patient is in pain Patients pain is controlled

Is patient already taking oral morphine?

Is patient already taking oral morphine?

YES

NO

YES

NO

1.Convert patient from oral morphine to a 24hr s/c infusion of MORPHINE Sulphate Injection via syringe driver (divide the total daily dose of morphine by 2 e.g. MST 30mg bd orally = MORPHINE Sulphate Injection 30mgs/24hrs by CSCI)

1.Give MORPHINE Sulphate Injection 2.5mg - 5mg s/c Repeat after 1 hour if necessary

1.Convert patient from oral morphine to a 24hr s/c infusion of MORPHINE Sulphate Injection via syringe driver (divide the total daily dose of morphine by 2 e.g. MST 30mg bd orally = MORPHINE Sulphate Injection 30mgs/24hrs by CSCI)

1. Prescribe MORPHINE 2.5mg- 5mg s/c hourly prn

2. Give prn dose of MORPHINE Sulphate Injection which should be 1/6 of 24hr dose in driver e.g. MORPHINE Sulphate Injection 60mg/24hrs CSCI via driver will require MORPHINE Sulphate Injection 10mg s/c prn Repeat after 1 hour if necessary

2. After 24hrs review medication, if three or more doses required prn then consider a CSCI via syringe driver over 24hrs.

2. Prescribe prn dose of MORPHINE Sulphate Injection which should be 1/6 of 24hr dose in driver e.g. MORPHINE Sulphate Injection 60mg/24hrs CSCI via driver will require MORPHINE Sulphate Injection 10mg s/c prn Repeated after 1 hour if necessary

2. After 24hrs review medication, if three or more doses required prn then consider a syringe driver over 24hrs

SUPPORTIVE INFORMATION:
To convert from other strong opioids contact Palliative Care Team for further advice & support as needed If symptoms persist contact the Palliative Care Team Anticipatory prescribing in this manner will ensure that in the last hours / days of life there is no delay responding to a symptom if it occurs. These guidelines are produced according to local policy & procedure CSCI = Continuous Subcutaneous Infusion

Worcestershire Primary Care NHS Trust 2010 Care Pathway for Dying Phase

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Terminal restlessness and agitation

Present

Absent

1. Give MIDAZOLAM 2.5 - 5mg s/c Repeat in 30 minutes if necessary

1. Prescribe MIDAZOLAM 2.5 - 5mg s/c prn Repeated in 30 minutes if necessary

2. Review the required medication after 24hrs or earlier if clinically indicated, if three or more prn doses have been required then consider a CSCI via syringe driver 2. If three or more doses required prn before next review, consider a CSCI via syringe driver

3. If Midazolam ineffective as an anxiolytic consider alternatives as below

SUPPORTIVE INFORMATION:
If symptoms persist contact the Palliative Care Team Anticipatory prescribing in this manner will ensure that in the last hours / days of life there is no delay responding to a symptom if it occurs. Alternative anxiolytics include Haloperidol 1mg-5mg s/c hourly as required, max dose 20mg/24hrs and Levomepromazine 12.5mg-25mg hourly as required, max dose 150mg/24hrs These guidelines are produced according to local policy & procedure

Worcestershire Primary Care NHS Trust 2010 Care Pathway for Dying Phase

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Respiratory tract secretions

Present

Absent

1. Give HYOSCINE HYDROBROMIDE 0.4mg s/c. Consider starting a CSCI via syringe driver 1.2mg/24hrs

1. Prescribe HYOSCINE HYDROBROMIDE 2 hourly prn Max dose/24hrs 2.4mg 0.4mg s/c

2. Repeat doses as required 2 hourly, Max dose/24hrs 2.4mg

2. If two or more doses of prn HYOSCINE HYDROBROMIDE required and effective then consider a CSCI of 1.2mg-2.4mg/24hrs via syringe driver

3. Consider increase to 2.4mg/24hrs if symptoms persist and prn doses effective

SUPPORTIVE INFORMATION:
If symptoms persist contact the Palliative Care Team Alternatives include: Glycopyrronium 0.4mg s/c 2 hourly prn, max dose 2.4mg/24hrs or Hyoscine Butylbromide 20mg s/c hourly prn, max dose 180mg/24hrs Anticipatory prescribing in this manner will ensure that in the last hours / days of life there is no delay responding to a symptom if it occurs. These guidelines are produced according to local policy & procedure CSCI = Continuous Subcutaneous Infusion

Worcestershire Primary Care NHS Trust 2010 Care Pathway for Dying Phase

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Nausea and vomiting

Present

Absent

1. Give Cyclizine 50mgs S/C Repeat 2 hourly prn Max dose 150mg/24hrs

1. Prescribe Cyclizine 50mgs S/C 2 hourly prn Max dose 150mg/24hrs

2. Review dosage after 24 hrs. If two or more prn doses given and effective, then consider use of a syringe driver Cyclizine 100mg 150mgs CSCI via a syringe driver over 24hrs

2. If two or more doses required prn and effective, consider giving a CSCI of 100mg to 150mg/24hrs via syringe driver

SUPPORTIVE INFORMATION: N.B Always use water for injection when making up Cyclizine. If symptoms persist contact the palliative Care Team. Cyclizine is not recommended in patients with heart failure. Cyclizine injection is not compatible with Oxycodone injection and Hyoscine Butylbromide Injection

Alternative antiemetics include:Haloperidol s/c 1mg 2.5mg 2 hourly prn (2.5mg10mg via syringe Driver over 24hrs) Levomepromazine s/c 5mg 2 hourly prn (5mg25mg via syringe Driver over 24hrs)

Anticipatory prescribing in this manner will ensure that in the last hours / days of life there is no delay responding to a symptom if it occurs.
These guidelines are produced according to local policy & procedure CSCI = Continuous Subcutaneous Infusion

Worcestershire Primary Care NHS Trust 2010 Care Pathway for Dying Phase

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Dyspnoea

Present

Absent

Is the patient already taking oral morphine for breathlessness or pain?

1. Prescribe Morphine 2.5mg 5mg s/c prn Repeated after 1 hour if necessary unless already receiving Morphine for pain in which case adjust dose appropriately

Yes

No
2. Prescribe Midazolam 2.5mg 5mg s/c prn Repeated after 30 minutes if necessary

1.Convert patient from oral morphine to a 24hr s/c infusion of MORPHINE Sulphate Injection via syringe driver (divide the total daily dose of morphine by 2 e.g. MST 30mg bd orally = MORPHINE Sulphate Injection 30mgs CSCI)

1. Give Morphine Sulphate Injection 2.5mg- 5mg s/c Repeat after 1 hour if necessary

3. If three or more doses required prn before next review, consider a CSCI via syringe driver of either drugs alone or combined in a syringe driver

2. Give prn dose of MORPHINE Sulphate Injection which should be 1/6 of 24hr dose in driver e.g. MORPHINE 30mg CSCI via driver will require Morphine Sulphate Injection 5mg s/c

2. Review the required medication after 24hrs or earlier if clinically indicated, if three or more doses required and effective then consider a CSCI via syringe driver over 24hrs

SUPPORTIVE INFORMATION:

If the patient is breathless and anxious consider Midazolam Injection stat 2.5mg s/c, repeated after 30 minutes if necessary If symptoms persist contact the Palliative Care Team. Anticipatory prescribing in this manner will ensure that in the last hours / days of life there is no delay responding to a symptom if it occurs. These guidelines are produced according to local policy & procedure
CSCI = Continuous Subcutaneous Infusion
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Worcestershire Primary Care NHS Trust 2010 Care Pathway for Dying Phase