Medication Policies in Final Phase of Life Face Scrutiny, Research Suggests
Amsterdam, Netherlands - November 14, 2025 - New research indicates potential for improvement in medication practices during the final stages of life, revealing a higher incidence of side effects linked to prescriptions. The study, a collaboration between Nivel and the Netherlands Palliative Care Foundation (PZNL), highlights the need for refined quality indicators within palliative care.This comes as healthcare professionals increasingly focus on optimizing end-of-life care and minimizing patient discomfort.
The research builds upon the PZNL’s 2023 development of seventeen indicators designed to assess the quality of palliative care. One key indicator focuses specifically on medication prescriptions given in a patient’s final days. According to De Man, a researcher involved in the study, these findings underscore the importance of carefully evaluating medication regimens to balance symptom management with potential adverse reactions. The findings are notably relevant as the National Palliative Care Programme II (NPPZ II) seeks to enhance standards across the Netherlands.
The study’s results are intended to inform healthcare providers and policymakers, ultimately leading to more effective and compassionate end-of-life care for patients. Access to the full research and ongoing discussions on best practices are available thru DOQ, a platform for knowledge sharing among healthcare professionals.
