Junior doctors’ attitudes to opioids for refractory breathlessness in patients with advanced chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Abstract

Background: Refractory breathlessness is a common, distressing symptom in patients with advanced chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The judicious, off-licence prescription of opioids, together with other management strategies, can improve breathlessness, however, internationally there is profound reluctance to prescribe opioids for breathlessness in COPD. Aims: To understand Australian junior doctors’ knowledge and attitudes regarding the management of refractory breathlessness and the role of opioids in COPD. Methods: All junior doctors undertaking basic training in internal medicine in Victoria were invited to complete an online survey. Knowledge, willingness, and experience pre..