Opioid Use in Palliative and End-of-Life Care

Opioids remain a cornerstone of palliative care for patients with serious illnesses like cancer, yet their use is often misunderstood, undertreated, or approached with unnecessary hesitation. This episode explores what pharmacists need to know about assessing opioid appropriateness, questioning therapy when warranted, and supporting comfort-focused care within established clinical and ethical standards. Tune in to build confidence in your role and contribute meaningfully to the care of patients facing serious illness. HOSTJoshua Davis Kinsey, PharmDVP, EducationCEimpactGUESTLorin Fisher, PharmD, BCACPClinical Assistant ProfessorUniversity of Iowa College of PharmacyJoshua Davis Kinsey and Lorin Fisher have no relevant financial relationships to disclose.CPE REDEMPTIONThis course is accredited for continuing pharmacy education! Click the link below that applies to you to take the exam and evaluation: If you are already enrolled in this course, click here to redeem your credit. To purchase this episode and claim your CPE credit, click here. CPE INFORMATIONLearning ObjectivesUpon successful completion of this knowledge-based activity, participants should be able to:1. Identify the role of opioids in managing pain and other symptoms for patients receiving palliative care.2. Describe key considerations for evaluating opioid prescriptions in the context of serious illness, including appropriate use and safety concerns. 0.05 CEU/0.5 HrUAN: 0107-0000-25-330-H01-PInitial release date: 11/10/2025Expiration date: 11/10/2026Additional CPE details can be found here.Follow CEimpact on Social Media:LinkedInInstagram