A Swedish investigative journalism program has uncovered concerning practices in end-of-life care at nursing homes across the country. According to SVT's Uppdrag granskning, medications specifically intended for patients in the final stages of life are being misused in elderly care facilities.
The investigation, part of the series "Mormor ska dö" (Grandma Should Die), reveals that nursing homes are raising alarms about improper administration of these critical medications. Gunnar Eckerdal, a senior physician specialized in palliative medicine, warns that the misuse leads to serious consequences for patients.
It leads to people who have pain receiving medications that give them more pain, or no relief at all
"It leads to people who have pain receiving medications that give them more pain, or no relief at all," Eckerdal stated in the report.
The program's reporters Karin Mattisson and Staffan Florén Sandberg, along with Eckerdal, will host a live chat on Wednesday evening at 20:45 to answer public questions about end-of-life care. Viewers can submit questions in advance for the discussion.
The full investigative series "Mormor ska dö" is available for viewing on SVT Play.