Università degli Studi di Modena e Reggio Emilia
Corso di laurea in infermieristica - Sede di Modena
| Thesis Title | Common beliefs and perceptions on the administration of Morphine in palliative care patients assisted by territorial assistance: a qualitative study |
|---|---|
| Name | Foroni Sara |
| Supervisor(s) | Amendolara Rocco, Lauriola Matteo |
| Academic Year | 2020/21 |
| Thesis type | Research thesis |
Abstract
Background: The study stems from clinical practice. The subject of Morphine administration has always been linked to beliefs and misconceptions. “Strong” Opioids are considered as reference drugs for high intensity pain, yet this does not reduce the difficulties that doctors and healthcare professionals often run into in recommending them and in consolidating adherence to therapy. Aim: The aim is to examine common beliefs and misconceptions on the administration of Morphine in palliative care patients assisted by territorial assistance. The degree of knowledge about the use of the drug was explored and whether the results corresponded to reality o were influenced by beliefs or misperceptions. Methods: The research was conducted using a qualitative phenomenological method. Fifteen semi-structured interviews were carried out, then "verbatim" transcribed and analyzed by theme. Results: Misconceptions in accordance with other surveys emerged: Morphine is mainly considered as a symbol of terminal illness, a drug, which has many side effects on the body; the fear of addiction is observed to have little occurrence in the analisys. These interviews demonstrate that although Opioids work to calm the pain, the analgesic effect itself hierarchically overcomes the fears and worries rooted in misconceptions, even if they represent resistance to taking the drug. Conclusions: Several themes (Awareness, Pain, Information, Perception, Therapeutic Alliance, Beliefs and Prejudices) were addressed in this study, and it was observed how they are connected to each other. Awareness is the background. Correct information is the prerequisite for an effective therapeutic alliance, which partly combacts beliefs and misconceptions about Morphine, although the winning element appears to be the experience of pain control by these drugs and the perception in terms of reduction.