At-a-glance principles Who is a candidate? When to start? How to talk about it (framing & consent) Example Case: Patient: Maria S., 58, metastatic breast cancer with bone mets, now in partial remission after chemo/radiation.Current pain control: Baseline 2–3/10; flares to 6/10 with activity.Regimen: Oxycodone ER 20 mg BID; oxycodone IR 5 mg q4–6h PRN…

Adapted from Lynn R. McPherson’s Demystifying Opioid Conversion Calculations (2nd ed.), a widely regarded core reference for learning safe, practical opioid conversion principles in palliative care. This summary is a guide—not a substitute for supervised clinical decision‑making, case-based coaching, and hands‑on conversion workshops with faculty. Start with PROCESS, not math Use a 5‑step approach every…

Opioids are a cornerstone of pain management in inpatient palliative care. They are often necessary to relieve moderate to severe pain, especially when non-opioid options are insufficient or inappropriate due to disease progression or patient-specific factors. When to Consider Opioid Therapy Key Considerations for Opioid Use Opioid Rotation Read more >> Opioid Conversion Medication Classes…

Understanding opioid metabolism is critical in palliative care, where drug interactions, patient-specific factors, and side effect profiles can significantly impact safety and comfort. This module offers a practical overview of hepatic metabolism pathways, genetic variability, and implications for drug selection and dosing. Most opioids are metabolized in the liver via the cytochrome P450 system, particularly…

Background Pain is one of the most common and distressing symptoms faced by patients in palliative care. It is not simply a physical sensation—it is shaped by emotional, cognitive, and social factors, and must be understood in this broader context to be effectively managed. Pain Definition According to the International Association for the Study of…