The care of patients with severe chronic pain in terminal illness.

ABSTRACT

The care of terminally ill patients with severe chronic pain should provide treatment that permits these patients to close their lives with dignity and purpose. Analgesics, both opioid and nonopioid, are available and when properly used can provide effective relief of pain for most terminally ill patients. It is incumbent on the physician and on all others who care for the dying patient with severe chronic pain to understand clearly the dynamics of the pain experience, the clinical pharmacology of analgesics, and the needs of the patient, family, and friends.

ABSTRACT

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