The use of benzodiazepines in palliative care

Abstract

Background: Benzodiazepines are widely used in palliative care, but few studies have attempted to study their use.

Aim: To determine the frequency and nature of benzodiazepine prescribing in a palliative care setting.

Method: The notes of a consecutive series of 100 patients who had died or been discharged from the hospice were studied. Demographic, illness and prescription data were noted. The indication for the administration of benzodiazepines, their effectiveness and any adverse effects were recorded.

Results: Notes were found on 93 patients. Some 54 (58%) were prescribed benzodiazepines either by the hospice or their General Practitioner. Younger patients and those on opioids or antipsychotics were more likely to be prescribed benzodiazepines. Most administration of benzodiazepines occurred within the last three weeks of life in response to symptoms of anxiety or less specific distress.

Conclusions: A relatively high proportion of patients was prescribed benzodiazepines. The role of benzodiazepines at different stages of palliative care merits further study.