Physicians’ opinions on and practical experiences with palliative sedation therapy in children: an international survey in five European countries
Nearly all of the 348 physicians across Belgium, Czechia, Netherlands, Portugal and Switzerland agreed that refractory physical symptoms are an indication for PST and, in practice, use midazolam and opioids most frequently. Variations exist in medication choices, decision-making processes, intentions for sedation, and attitudes towards ethical considerations. These findings suggest that educational, cultural, legal, and healthcare system differences shape the approach to palliative sedation.
Authors
- Laure Dombrecht (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7174-4678)
- Erna Michiels
- Eva Bergsträßer (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0340-1868)
- Kim Beernaert (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2520-3977)
- Kristýna Poláková (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1942-5733)
- Deborah Gubler
- Arjanne M. van Norel
- Joana Mendes (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2950-167X)
- H. B. J. Fischer (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2708-5772)
- Ana Lacerda (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3387-3521)
- Sara Depulpaep
- Yoni Aelvoet
- Jitka Kosikova
Institutions
- Vrije Universiteit Brussel (BE)
- University of Zurich (CH)
- Pallium India (IN)
- Ghent University Hospital (BE)
- Ghent University (BE)
- Lisbon School of Design (PT)
- Instituto Português de Oncologia Francisco Gentil (PT)
- Czech Medical Association of J.E. Purkyne (CZ)
- Princess Máxima Center (NL)
- University Children's Hospital Zurich (CH)
Publication Details
- Journal
- BMC Palliative Care
- Published
- 2025-10-16
- DOI
- https://doi.org/10.1186/s12904-025-01863-7
- Primary Topic
- Palliative Care and End-of-Life Issues
- Type
- article
- Field-Weighted Citation Impact
- 0.00
Funders
- Cancer Research Institute