The use of opioids at the end of life: the knowledge level of Dutch physicians as a potential barrier to effective pain management

Abstract Background Pain is still one of the most frequently occurring symptoms at the end of life, although it can be treated satisfactorily in most cases if the physician has adequate knowledge. In the Netherlands, almost 60% of the patients with non-acute illnesses die at home where end of life care is coordinated by the general practitioner (GP); about 30% die in hospitals (cared for by clinical specialists), and about 10% in nursing homes (cared for by elderly care physicians). The research question of this study is: what is the level of knowledge of Dutch physicians concerning pain manag... Mehr ...