The care of patients with severe chronic pain in terminal illness

Abstract

This is a report of the discussions and recommendations of the\n"Conference on the Care of Patients With Severe Chronic Pain in Terminal\nIllness," sponsored by the American Medical Association and the Public Health\nService, held on 28 January 1983 in Washington, D.C. Despite the availability\nof effective analgesic drugs, insufficient and improper medication has\nresulted in suffering and diminished quality of life for many terminally ill\npatients. This review describes the dynamics of pain, evaluates the\npharmacologic activity of analgesics, and maintains that it is incumbent on\nphysicians to understand these mechanisms as well as the needs of the patient\nand family in providing optimum terminal care. (KIE abstract)