Use of buccal oxycodone in paediatric palliative care

Dr S Suranjana, a specialist in paediatric palliative care at Martin House Children’s Hospice, provides insights into a research project focused on the use of buccal oxycodone for pain and agitation in children with life-limiting conditions. She highlights the innovative use of standard oral oxycodone solution administered via the buccal route, rather than through enteral tubes, and demonstrates its effectiveness in four patients with neurological and genetic conditions. Dr Suranjana emphasises the importance of flexible, patient-centred approaches in palliative care and outlines how this method could be considered for children who are unable to tolerate enteral administration or who require rapid symptom control. She expresses hope that the study will encourage further research into alternative routes of medication administration to improve comfort and outcomes for children and families. This interview took place at the RCPCH conference 2025 in Glasgow, Scotland.