A systematic review of subcutaneous versus intramuscular or intravenous routes of opioid administration on pain outcomes in cancer and post-surgical clinical populations - challenging current assumptions in palliative care practice.

Objective: The objective of this review is to investigate the use of the subcutaneous route of administration of analgesics, common practice within palliative medicine.

Design: Systematic review using consensus approach, direct comparison of subcutaneous route with intravenous and intramuscular routes.

Results: The limited available evidence demonstrates non-inferiority of the subcutaneous route in both cancer patients and those post-surgery.

A qualitative study using semi-structured interviews of palliative care patients' views on corneal donation and the timing of its discussion.

Background: Corneal transplantation can lead to sight restoration, but globally there is a donor shortage. Many palliative care patients can donate their corneas but think they are ineligible due to comorbidities. Healthcare professionals are reluctant to broach the topic, but studies have shown that relatives would be upset if they were not offered this chance.