Pain control is important

Unfortunately, despite a tremendous amount of research and knowledge about the assessment and treatment of pain, many dying patients experience unrelieved pain during their last months of life. Many patients and their families report that their pain is severe.

Considering the tremendous advances that have been made in healthcare, why is pain not adequately treated? Unfortunately, pain has not been considered an important symptom by the healthcare system. Only recently has JCAHO, the national accrediting organization, required that hospitals and other health care agencies provide good pain assessment and treatment. Healthcare professionals generally have not had training in the assessment and treatment of pain and have undue concerns about addiction and regulatory oversight. There are misunderstandings and stigma about pain medication such as morphine shared by healthcare providers, patients, and family members.

Most terminally ill patients experience different types of pain each of which requires different medications or treatments. There are a variety of excellent medications available to treat pain and it's associated symptoms. Emotional, psychological, spiritual problems can all contribute to the experience of pain. Hospice professionals will do a very through assessment to determine the type of pain and it's causes in order to prescribe a treatment plan that is customized to each patient and their individual circumstances. Hospice looks at the needs of the patient, their family members, and caretakers when developing the treatment goals and plans. Frequent reassessments and adjustments in therapies and medications will assure that patients and their families are comfortable.