Pain medicine : the official journal of the American Academy of Pain Medicine
-
Rates of chronic non-cancer pain are increasing worldwide, with concerns regarding poorer access to specialist treatment services in remote areas. The current study comprised the first in-depth examination of use and barriers to access of health services in Australia according to remoteness. ⋯ Perceived communication, access, and financial barriers to healthcare indicate the need for increased efforts to address geographic inequality in pain treatment.
-
Clinician communication with patients regarding worrisome findings in Prescription Drug Monitoring Programs (PDMPs) may influence patient responses and subsequent care. The authors studied the range of approaches clinicians report when communicating with patients in this situation and how practice policies and procedures may influence this communication. ⋯ Clinicians' self-reported approaches to sharing PDMP findings and communicating prescribing decisions with patients vary and may be facilitated by appropriate practice policies. Such communication may have implications for patient engagement and alliance building. More research is needed to identify best practices and potential guidelines for effectively communicating about PDMP findings, as this may enhance health outcomes.
-
Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and pain are frequently comorbid conditions that can result in bidirectional exacerbations. Initial research suggests physical activity may prevent PTSD symptoms or assist with recovery. Unfortunately, Veterans with PTSD are less likely to engage in physical activity, often citing pain as a primary reason. The current study examines the potential role of physical activity as a moderator of the pain and PTSD relationship. ⋯ For Veterans seeking treatment for PTSD, physical activity was particularly salient for those reporting high levels of pain severity and intensity. While assessment of pain is recommended with all Veterans, it may also be beneficial to evaluate physical activity in those with prominent pain complaints. Further examination of the role of exercise in integrated care for pain and PTSD is warranted.
-
Developing a new measurement index is the first step in evaluating pain relief outcomes. Although the percentage difference in pain intensity (%PID) is the most popular indicator, this indicator does not take into account the goal of pain relief. Therefore, the aims of this study were to develop a pain relief index (PRI) for outcome evaluation and to examine the index using demographic characteristics of cancer inpatients with clinically significant pain. ⋯ This hospital-based study demonstrated that the PRI is an effective and valid measure for evaluating outcome data using an electronic nursing information system. We will further define the meaningful range of percentage difference in PRI from various perspectives.