Practice patterns of strong opioid recommendations by palliative care consultation services in German hospitals (online survey).

Thirty-nine palliative care consultation services teams participated (21 university hospitals, 18 general hospitals).

All respondents agreed on the indication for strong opioids in cancer-related pain and dyspnea.

Hydromorphone and morphine were the most commonly used opioids (> 30 services reporting frequent use), whereas the use of fentanyl, oxycodone, and buprenorphine varied widely across services.