Descriptive Analysis of Dexmedetomidine's Utility in a Palliative Care Unit at the End of Life.

Pain and symptom management at the end of life (EoL) can pose unique challenges, particularly when symptoms are refractory to conventional methods. Dexmedetomidine, originally approved for sedation in ventilated patients, has been demonstrated to be beneficial in pain management and palliative care settings by functioning as an alpha-2 agonist. A retrospective review of inpatient palliative care unit (IPU) records from January 2020 to December 2023 was conducted.