An integrated psychosocial-spiritual model for cancer pain management.
OBJECTIVE
Cancer pain is known to be a multidimensional and complex experience that can cause severe suffering and can lessen quality of life. The psychosocial and spiritual aspects of cancer pain play an important role in this phenomenon. This article describes a multidisciplinary model for cancer pain management that focuses on the psychosocial and spiritual aspects of cancer pain and the needs of patients.


METHODS
This multidisciplinary model has been organized to provide the most effective pain management to a variety of patients within a comprehensive cancer center. Our model includes multiple oncology mental health professionals, including psychologists, social workers, spiritual care providers, and psychiatrists. Each discipline provides a unique assessment and an evaluation of the needs of patients with cancer pain and their support system that is integrated into a comprehensive treatment plan. Regular collaboration occurs between disciplines to ensure that the patients receive optimal pain management.


CONCLUSIONS
This model provides a framework from which treatment interventions can be implemented. The emphasis on consistent collaboration between disciplines is a vital component in providing effective cancer pain management. This multidisciplinary psychosocial-spiritual model can be replicated, modified, or both, to become standard practice in other comprehensive cancer centers.
Otis-Green
Shirley
S
City of Hope National Medical Center, Supportive Care and Palliative Medicine Department, Duarte, California 91010-3000, USA.
Sherman
Rhonda
R
Perez
Martin
M
Baird
Reverend Pamela
RP
D006694:Holistic Health; D006801:Humans; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000150:complications*; D010146:Pain / Q000209:etiology* / Q000523:psychology; D012067:Religion