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Other Medical Specialties

University of San Diego

2015

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Managing End-Of-Life Pain Using A Rectal Medication Administration Device, Yen T. Kim May 2015

Managing End-Of-Life Pain Using A Rectal Medication Administration Device, Yen T. Kim

Doctor of Nursing Practice Final Manuscripts

Purpose: The purpose of this project was to improve end-of-life pain management among hospice patients using a rectal medication administration device (RMAD).

Background: Approximately 1.5 to 1.6 million patients received hospice services in 2013 (National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization, 2013), and almost 75% of terminally ill patients experience pain during the dying process (Fink & Gates, 2010). Patients are often unable to tolerate oral pain medications at the end of life. Rectal administration of medication is an appropriate alternative for these patients. The rectal route has several benefits including low cost, consistent and predictable absorption of medications, ease of …