Pain control in palliative care

Tredgett, Kate M.; Piggin, Catherine

Abstract

Pain is one of the most feared symptoms of advanced, progressive disease and dying. It is a common but not universal experience in both advanced malignant and non-malignant conditions. A patient-centred approach involving systematic and thorough assessment, management and regular review can provide pain relief for most people. Even in advanced disease, it is important to identify the underlying cause of the pain. Pharmacological management should be structured around the analgesic ladder. Particular emphasis is given to the safe and effective use of strong opioids, including the person's information needs and the management of unwanted effects. A range of adjuvant drugs is also available, as are interventional techniques and non-pharmacological interventions. Guidance is provided on the reassessment of pain that has not responded adequately to the usual measures, and on indications for specialist referral.

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Nov 9, 2022
• Online Publication Date: Nov 9, 2022
• Publication Date: Dec 1, 2022
• Deposit Date: Feb 7, 2023
• Publicly Available Date: Feb 9, 2023
• Journal: Medicine (United Kingdom)
• Print ISSN: 0025-7974
• Electronic ISSN: 1536-5964
• Publisher: Lippincott, Williams & Wilkins
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 50
• Issue: 12
• Pages: 755-761
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.mpmed.2022.09.001
• Keywords: Analgesic ladder; bone pain; cancer; morphine; neuropathic pain; nociceptive pain; opioid analgesics; pain assessment; pain management; palliative care
• Public URL: https://uwe-repository.worktribe.com/output/10438059
• Publisher URL: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1357303922002213?via%3Dihub