title: Continuity of care for the cancer patient with chronic pain.
abstract: The care of patients with cancer and chronic pain, often complicated and demanding, strains the resources of a single physician. Continuity of care programs, such as that developed by the Pain Service of Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center (New York), with good communication and liaison work between hospital and community, add a much needed dimension to the pain management of these patients in the home. Although continuity of care programs resemble hospice programs in philosophy, there are major differences in admission criteria: the program is not restricted to dying individuals; patients may live alone; they may receive active therapy with a focus on cure or remission; and they continue to receive their care, including pain management, within a standard medical system under the supervision of their primary physician and nurse.
authors.affiliation: Supportive Care Program, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10021.
authors.forename: N
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Coyle
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000701:Analgesics, Opioid / Q000008:administration & dosage; D002908:Chronic Disease; D003266:Continuity of Patient Care; D005260:Female; D006701:Home Nursing; D006738:Hospices; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000451:nursing / Q000503:physiopathology*; D009519:New York City; D010146:Pain / Q000209:etiology; D059408:Pain Management; D011320:Primary Health Care
chemical_list: D000701:Analgesics, Opioid