What enables the safe prescription and monitoring of morphine for chronic breathlessness? Insights from a Normalisation Process Theory-informed implementation survey and interviews with clinicians

Background Shortness of breath affects almost 10% of the general population, in particular people with lung or heart disease receiving palliative care. Reducing breathlessness by implementing effective pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatment is vital for relieving this physical and mental suffering in chronic illness. This mixed-methods implementation study (conducted as part of the Morphine and BrEathLessness trial (MABEL) of the clinical effectiveness and safety of regular low-dose oral modified release morphine) investigates how the experiences, attitudes and practices of clinicians affect the prescription of morphine for the symptomatic reduction of chronic breathlessness. Methods Mixed-methods survey and interview study with clinicians at participating trial sites, informed by Normalisation Process Theory: 1) Learning Needs Assessment survey to provide early indication of clinicians’ experiences and knowledge 2) Normalisation Measurement instrument (NoMAD) survey at two time points to measure extent to which morphine prescribing fitted with current practice 3) Semi-structured interviews with clinicians to explore perspectives about safe morphine use. Results Participants: Learning Needs Assessment (n=75, Doctors 43%, Nurses 51%, Other/not stated 6%), NoMAD 1 (n=64; Doctors 45%, Nurses 50%, Other 5%), NoMAD 2 (n=27; Doctors 41%, Nurses 52%, Other 9%), interviews (n=8, Doctors n=5, Nurses n=3). Learning Needs Assessment: two-thirds agreed they had learning needs about use of morphine for breathlessness. NoMAD surveys: 92% viewed morphine for breathlessness as a legitimate part of their role, but only 36% thought sufficient training about its use was provided. 81% stated they could integrate the use of morphine for breathlessness into their existing work, but only 39% had confidence in colleagues to do so. Interviews supported NoMAD findings and provided a richer understanding of how communication and co-ordination across settings and specialisms underpinned implementation. Conclusions Morphine prescription for breathlessness management is seen by clinicians as a legitimate part of their role. However, a lack of training opportunities, resources, and confidence in the skills of others impede successful implementation. Robust communication and shared decision-making between clinicians, and between clinicians and patients, across settings and specialisms can support the delivery of a safe, effective approach when morphine is being considered for breathlessness. Trial registration ISRCTN87329095 (Registered 25/02/2019), EudraCT 2019-002479-33.