Perceptions of Healthcare Professionals and Caregivers on the Use of Opioids: Cultural Aspects in a Rural Context in Uruguay

A qualitative study using in-depth interviews was conducted to identify the level of knowledge, beliefs, and perceptions of family members and healthcare workers regarding the use of morphine as a pain treatment for individuals at the end of life. The study included healthcare professionals and caregivers of individuals who had died from serious illnesses affiliated with a rural health center in an inland city in the western region of Uruguay between August 2021 and June 2022. The findings may contribute to understanding the determinants that influence opioid use in healthcare centers lacking access to specialized palliative care. Additionally, the results could support decision-making processes regarding the indication, administration, and acceptance of pain medication by healthcare professionals and families of patients with advanced chronic progressive conditions.