Lack of proper pain management big problem for dying patients

Article Abstract:

Terminally ill patients are often undermedicated for pain according to Nessa Coyle who works in pain control at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center. Physicians underestimate patients' pain as it worsens, or mistakenly believe that the medication will depress the patient's respiration or cause addiction. Patients develop tolerance for physiological changes and only 1% become addicted to drugs used for pain control. Physicians must trust patients' assessment of their own pain. Strategies for such assessments and for administering medication are presented.

Care and treatment, Management, Pain, Pain management, Terminal care

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Study: patients in pain don't want assisted suicide

Article Abstract:

Patients in extreme pain are less likely to request assisted suicide than cancer patients, according to a study conducted a the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in Boston, MA. The study, which was based on interviews of 155 cancer patients, 355 oncologists and 193 members of the public, is the first scientific survey to address American cancer patients' views on assisted suicide. The survey results challenge the popular belief that assisted suicide should only be used in cases where patients are in extreme pain.

Health Care, Health Care and Social Assistance, HEALTH SERVICES, Analysis, Medical care, Surveys, Assisted suicide, Cancer patients, Medical protocols, Oncologists

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Treat pain, avert suicide

Article Abstract:

The Virginia Medical Board has revoked Dr. William E. Hurwitz's license for overprescribing pain medications for patients with chronic pain. Hurwitz reportedly prescribed the medications to prevent his patients from committing suicide. Pain specialists agree that prescribing high doses of narcotics may be appropriate for the treatment of chronic pain.

Pharmaceutical Preparation Manufacturing, Pharmaceutical preparations, Central Nervous System Prep, Ethical aspects, Prescription writing, Central nervous system agents, Dosage and administration, Analgesics, Hurwitz, William E.

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