RT Journal Article SR Electronic T1 Conversion of other opioids to methadone: a retrospective comparison of two methods JF BMJ Supportive & Palliative Care JO BMJ Support Palliat Care FD British Medical Journal Publishing Group SP 201 OP 204 DO 10.1136/bmjspcare-2018-001645 VO 10 IS 2 A1 Bill Lukin A1 Jaimi Greenslade A1 Alison Mary Kearney A1 Carol Douglas A1 Tegwen Howell A1 Michael Barras A1 Phillip Good YR 2020 UL http://spcare.bmj.com/content/10/2/201.abstract AB Context A rapid method of methadone conversion known as the Perth Protocol is commonly used in Australian palliative care units. There has been no follow-up or validation of this method and no comparison between different methods of conversion.Objectives The primary objective of this study was to test the hypothesis that the achieved doses of methadone are independent of the conversion method (rapid vs slower). The secondary objectives included examining the relationship between calculated target doses, actual achieved doses and duration of conversions.Methods This is a retrospective chart audit conducted at two hospital sites in the Brisbane metropolitan area of Australia which used different methadone conversion methods.Results Methadone conversion ratios depended on previous opioid exposure and on the method of conversion used. The method most commonly used in Australia for calculating target doses for methadone when converting from strong opioids is a poor predictor of actual dose achieved. More appropriate conversion ratios are suggested.Conclusion Further research is needed to refine the ratios used in practice when converting patients from strong opioids to methadone. Caution and clinical expertise are required. A palliative methadone registry may provide useful insights.