This letter reports on a survey recently administered to investigate the current off-label prescribing of fentanyl for breakthrough pain in paediatric palliative care in the UK and to ascertain any barriers to use. The survey was sent to 124 members of the Association of Paediatric Palliative Medicine (APPM). The response rate was 44 members (36%). Respondents were mainly consultants and associate specialist grade clinicians who had worked for over 5 years in this field. Less than half had prescribed buccal fentanyl and only 4 had prescribed intranasal fentanyl. The article provides more details of prescribing practice and reasons for the low uptake.
Harrop, E. et al. 2018. Barriers to the use of buccal and intranasal fentanyl for breakthrough pain in paediatric palliative care. BMJ Supportive & Palliative Care, September 8 (3) p