Top Ten Tips Palliative Care Clinicians Should Know About Navigating Outpatient Opioid Prescribing

Opioid management for symptom relief in serious illness is a core aspect of palliative care (PC) practice, with additional complexities to consider when prescribing in the outpatient setting. Safe and timely access to necessary opioids for patients depends on clinicians writing accurate prescriptions, navigating health care insurance(s), planning for potential medication shortages, and close collaboration with outpatient pharmacies. Access should be supported by, and balanced with, appropriate risk-mitigation strategies, including regular clinical assessments, thoughtful medication selection to minimize adverse effects, and ongoing education for patients and clinicians. This article—written by an interprofessional team of PC-trained physicians, nurse practitioners, pharmacists, clinical practice nurses, and social workers—summarizes ten practical tips for navigating outpatient opioid prescribing.