A comparison of the resources used in advanced cancer care between two different strong opioids : an analysis of naturalistic practice in the UK

ABSTRACTObjective: To assess the resource implications of using strong opioids in patients with advanced cancer in the UK, based on naturalistic practice, in order to develop the evidence base supporting better management.Design and setting: A modelling study performed from the perspective of the UK’s National Health Service (NHS).Study participants and interventions: A data set was created from the DIN-link database comprising 986 patients with advanced cancer who were prescribed either 12-hourly sustained release morphine (SR morphine; MST Continuous) (n = 784) or transdermal fentanyl (Durogesic) (n = 202) as their first strong opioid between 1st January 1998 and 30th September 2000 and died during that period.Methods: Palliative care-related resource use data were obtained from the DIN-link database. Unit costs at 2000/2001 prices were applied to the resource use values to determine the mean NHS cost of palliative care from the start of treatment until death.Results: Patients initially treated with tra...