Physicians’ opinions on and practical experiences with palliative sedation therapy in children: an international survey in five European countries

Nearly all of the 348 physicians across Belgium, Czechia, Netherlands, Portugal and Switzerland agreed that refractory physical symptoms are an indication for PST and, in practice, use midazolam and opioids most frequently. Variations exist in medication choices, decision-making processes, intentions for sedation, and attitudes towards ethical considerations. These findings suggest that educational, cultural, legal, and healthcare system differences shape the approach to palliative sedation.