title: Pain relief in Thailand.
abstract: Pain is a complex problem, for both those who are enduring it and those trying to relieve it. Most people in the developed world have access to adequate treatment and management of pain, the availability of trained and educated doctors and nurses, feasible opioid prescribing policies, as well as ready access to appropriate medication. Often, this is not the case in developing countries such as Thailand. This paper is based on recent experience in the southeast of Thailand providing pain relief for persons with HIV and AIDS in Rayong Province at the Camillian Social Centre. The severity and frequency of pain endured by this group of individuals presented a daily challenge. Problems encountered in providing pain relief for these patients and some potential solutions are described. There is a lack of literature on pain relief in Thailand.
authors.affiliation: Gandarra Palliative Care Unit, Ballarat, Australia. megs@bhs.grampianshealth.org.au
authors.forename: Meg
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Spencer
mesh_terms: D000701:Analgesics, Opioid / Q000600:supply & distribution / Q000627:therapeutic use; D003153:Community Health Services / Q000458:organization & administration*; D003906:Developing Countries; D004335:Drug and Narcotic Control / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000503:physiopathology*; D006801:Humans; D009020:Morphine / Q000627:therapeutic use; D010146:Pain / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000209:etiology; D010166:Palliative Care / Q000379:methods*; D010348:Patient Care Team; D013785:Thailand; D014147:Tramadol / Q000600:supply & distribution / Q000627:therapeutic use
chemical_list: D000701:Analgesics, Opioid; D014147:Tramadol; D009020:Morphine