District wide Rotherham, Doncaster and South Humber NHS Foundation Trust policy (multi agency policy via RDaSH medicines formulary) for pre-emptive prescribing for the last days of life policy.
Pre-emptive prescribing is the prescribing of subcutaneous medications for the last days of life for the common symptoms of pain, anxiety and restlessness, nausea or vomiting and secretions.
It is for:
- dying patients in the last days of life
- those who may have sudden, severe or distressing symptoms, those at high risk of a terminal bleed, terminal airways or terminal bowel obstruction
It should be considered when the patient, family and health care professionals have decided that a patient is approaching the last days of life, and they want to stay at home.
To download the policy please follow the link: Multi agency policy.
Page last reviewed: April 24, 2024
Next review due: April 24, 2025