Tips for managing chronic pain. Implementing the latest guidelines.
Recently revised guidelines from the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO) call for an increased awareness of the impact of chronic pain and recommend that physicians assess and treat pain complaints seriously. Although significant and persistent chronic pain is a common reason for primary care visits, the incidence of psychologic distress and personality disorder in patients with chronic pain often makes this population a difficult one for physicians and staff to treat. This discussion offers practical tips for managing patients with chronic pain and reducing staff burnout. The author also dispels various myths about chronic pain and focuses on the effective management of its comorbidities.
Marcus
Dawn A
DA
Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, USA. marcusd@anes.upmc.edu
D002983:Clinical Competence; D003266:Continuity of Patient Care / Q000592:standards*; D003663:Decision Trees; D006801:Humans; D007591:Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations; D010146:Pain / Q000209:etiology* / Q000517:prevention & control*; D010147:Pain Measurement / Q000379:methods; D010346:Patient Care Management / Q000592:standards; D017410:Practice Guidelines as Topic; D014481:United States