What it is: Opioids are analgesics. They are medications often used to treat pain related to terminal illnesses.
Morphine is an opioid analgesic that offers safe and effective relief of moderate to severe pain. There are other opioids. Myths are widely believed but untrue beliefs.
Why it matters: Morphine is often the preferred opioid analgesic in palliative care unless contraindicated. However, there are many myths about morphine that may affect its acceptance for treatment of pain.
Nursing staff often administer medications and can provide older people and their families with information to reassure them.
What I need to know: Wrong information may affect:
- willingness to accept morphine for pain
- the family’s understanding of why morphine is being prescribed
- a nurse’s readiness to administer morphine.
Begin the conversation by asking ‘What do you understand about morphine?’ or ‘Do you have any queries about morphine?’