Adverse events following acupuncture: prospective survey of 32 000 consultations with doctors and physiotherapists

When prescribing drugs for use outside their licence, most specialists in palliative medicine do not routinely obtain verbal or written informed consent, document the reason for unlicensed use in the patient's notes, or inform other involved professionals of unlicensed use. When they do obtain consent, it is likely to be for the use of less established drugs and to be verbal rather than written. Strict adherence to the recommendations is not welcomed by palliative care specialists because of the number of drugs involved and the burden to patients and carers.