Abstract The paper discusses the concept that pain ridden Americans are taking the idea of painmanagement into their own hands. More specifically, the paper discusses the movie "Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas" and hos the movie demonstrates that if the American legal system and physicians would provide better healthcare in the area of painmanagement, many people suffering from pain would not be abusing illegal drugs.
From the Paper "Terry Gilliam's movie "Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas" deals with this bioethical issue of how a war torn country was coping with its pain. Throughout the movie, the audience is constantly bombarded with images and scenes of war. Clips from newsreels of Vietnam show up on the television and background radio noise. While driving to Las Vegas, a woman on the radio speaks about soldier's dying from illegal drug overdose. The circus they attend while in Vegas is likened to "what the whole hip world would be doing on a Saturday night if the Nazis had won the war. This was the sixth Reich," (Gilliam 1998). On one scene, Dr. Gonzo screams out "I just got back from Vietnam," (Gilliam 1998) while throwing up outside of a car, antagonizing a couple next to them in a taxi. Due to lack of physician orientated help, many soldiers and Americans turned to illegal substances. Dr. Gonzo and Hunter S. Thompson view these illegal substances as their "medication." They medicate themselves throughout the movie to ease the pain cause by the war and of failing to obtain the American Dream, "Learn to enjoy loosing."
Abstract This paper looks at relaxation as a form of painmanagement. It explains that relaxation alternatives such as acupuncture assist the patient in their painmanagement with a focus on the mind, body and spirit. It also discusses the management of post operative pain. In the conclusion the paper shows that further research and knowledge about relaxation and its positive affects on patients is essential for the improvement of the health care system.
From the Paper "Relaxation is a concept in the medical field that is often considered with great importance. This is because in order for the body to heal relaxation must occur, allowing the body to be open to the healing treatments. Tension, fear and stress work in opposition to good health, while relaxation allows the muscles and organs to be receptive to the healing process."
Abstract This paper first examines the improvement of painmanagement at WellStar Health System. The impact of the Joint Commission's standards on painmanagement is also explored. The paper also discusses tjr cultural factors that influence one's perception of pain, using Asians' reluctance to express pain in public as an example. The paper explores the topic of data collection to assess the quality of care in painmanagement. Lastly, this paper examines and describes the various assessment tools used for treatment of pain.
Table of Contents:
Data Collection: PainManagement Process Improvement
Regulatory and Social Impact
- Agency Influence
- Social Influence
Data collection methods
Assessment Tools and PainManagement Conclusion
References
Appendix A
From the Paper "The topic of pain management in the healthcare setting is an important one when placing patient care as the most important goal in hospital management. The importance of pain management has reached the attention of the Joint Commission, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, and state regulatory agencies. Other community stakeholders have a stake in this topic due to its importance in healthcare. Pain management from a regulatory and social point of view as well as a process improvement plan follows in the discussion. The data collection methodologies concerning pain management issues and the tools for audit provide the matrix for evaluation and the need for amending the change initiatives."
Abstract This paper discusses painmanagement, particularly in sickle cell disease. The paper describes the way that effective painmanagement can not only reduce physical discomfort, but also promote quality of life. The paper then describes the challenges of managingpain in sickle cell diseases, where the pain is chronic, however also has acute episodes.
From the Paper "Lived Experience of Sickle Cell Disease and Health Promotion Introduction Effective pain management not only reduces physical discomfort but also promotes quality of life. Nurses have the ethical and professional duty of managing pain and enhancing quality of life for their patients. However, with sickle cell disease, since chronic pain is combined with episodes of acute pain, pain management becomes a real challenge (Tanyi, 2003). The research question underlying this literature review is: how can a patient's pain be adequately managed and their quality of life improved during a hospital stay? The phenomenon of interest in this paper is pain management and how it is the key for improving quality of life."
Abstract This paper presents an overview of Sickle Cell disease, discussing major concerns associated with the disease including that of painmanagement. The paper reviews a number of studies about the management of sickle cell disease pain.
From the Paper "Sickle cell disease is common in the United States among African-Americans. Pain is a problem associated with sickle cell disease which occurs when blood vessels become clogged with sickle shaped red blood cells that are hard and sticky, preventing blood from flowing through the veins. A clogged blood vessel is called an occlusion and occlusions in blood vessels can..."
Abstract The purpose of this paper is to develop an overview of hypnosis in general and how it can be used for painmanagement applications across a wide range of treatment settings. The paper includes a critical review of the literature and provides a synthesis of timely and relevant clinical studies concerning the efficacy of hypnosis in the management of pain for different types of patients and conditions. The paper summarizes the research and presents salient findings in the concluding chapter.
Table of Contents:
Chapter 1: Introduction
Statement of the Problem
Purpose of Study
Importance of Study
Scope of Study
Rationale of Study
Overview of Study
Chapter 2: Review of Related Literature
Chapter 3: Methodology
Description of the Study Approach
Data-gathering Method and Database of Study
Chapter 4: Data Analysis
Chapter 5: Summary and Conclusions
From the Paper "Medical applications for the use of hypnosis for analgesic purposes clearly illustrate well-documented, powerful forms of social influence on pain as well (Craig & Hadjistavropoulos 37). In this regard, Myslinski (2003) reports that, "Using the power of suggestion, a hypnotist gets his subject to focus on a single thought or feeling, until the subject's state of consciousness is altered. Hypnosis to relieve pain is used in dental offices, during childbirth, and after surgery. The patient may also be taught to hypnotize himself: Professor David Spiegel of Stanford University has found that women with advanced breast cancer who practice self-hypnosis need less pain medication" (132)."
Abstract Painmanagement is an issue which has come a long way in the last few decades, especially when viewed in the setting of painmanagement in the terminally ill population. It is widely held that many effective painmanagement therapies are available, yet many patients still undergo severe pain at the end of life due to a lack of knowledge surrounding the effective use of pain control methods on the part of physicians and caregivers alike. Patients and caregivers in this study are provided with painmanagement education, both on what is to be expected and what can be done. Patients and caregivers are surveyed both before and after the education and the level of painmanagement is assessed to see if greater knowledge surrounding therapeutics and expected outcomes can improve patients' subjective perception of pain control and ultimately terminally ill patient comfort.
From the Paper "In the last forty years, amazing progress has been made in the management of patients at the end of life. Patients who are at the end of life often rely on caregivers for support, both emotionally and literally, surrounding concerns about the process of dying. Caregivers are often left to make decisions on how to manage panoply of symptoms including things like breathlessness, physical and mental incapacity, and most of all the effective management of physical pain. The last four decades have shown the medical profession much about how to address these issues with appropriate palliative management, yet often times these issues are not adequately addressed by the caregiver, either because of lack of knowledge or lack of resources. When these issues remain unattended, they often lead to increased anxiety, depression and physical and mental stress, both for the ill patient and for the home care giver. What is the best practical approach to the management of pain in the home care of terminally ill patients? How can these patients be adequately assessed for current and future palliative needs? How are medications chosen? How is an adequate dose determined? And how can the home caregiver ensure all these criteria are met, and the patient made as comfortable as possible."
Abstract The first part of this paper examines the background and reviews the current literature regarding painmanagement. The next part then examines the key painmanagement issues and the pros and cons of establishing painmanagement standards.The paper then examines these proposed guidelines from a nursing viewpoint in line with the 2001 Code of Ethics, as well as the ANA's "Nursing's agenda for the future." Next, the paper addresses how a proposed set of painmanagement guidelines affects nursing practices and the practice of health care, in general. In the last section, the paper makes further recommendations on how painmanagement strategies could be tailored to facilitate the practice of nursing.
From the Paper "Pain management takes a backseat in a variety of medical specialties. Tanabe and Buschmann (1999), for example, found that 78 percent of patients experience severe pain in the emergency room. Furthermore, clinicians often followed a standard pain treatment program that did not take into account the severity of an individual patient's pain. As a result, many patients did not receive adequate pain medication, despite the availability of pharmacologic solutions."
Abstract In the paper, the writer examines the growing demand by patients suffering from chronic pain for painmanagement and relief treatments that will improve the quality of their lives. The writer contends that America's rapidly growing population of Seniors, coupled with increased longevity is the reason for this demand and examines some of the solutions that doctors are able to provide. The author then examines the growth of specialized care in painmanagement and the current system for subspecialty certification for physicians, before making his final conclusions and recommendations.
Outline:
Introduction
Specialized PainManagement Growth
Increased Opportunity For Care
Current Opportunity for Specialization in PainManagement/Proposed AA System
Conclusion
References
From the Paper "The current system for subspecialty certification for physicians, in pain medicine comes in the form of an annual exam offered by the ABPM. The organization certifies about 2200 physicians per year in this specialty through the successful completion of the exam, which has about an 80% pass rate. (ABPM, 2008, NP) It would be conducive to structure the AA system in a similar manner with the inclusion of preparatory post grad fellowship continuing education opportunities. Individual AA's who took the seminar style two semester prep classes, and who were signed off by a governing anesthesiologist or their work institution as working within this field successfully for greater than one year would be eligible to sit for the exam and would then be certified in the subspecialty of pain medicine if success was achieved on the exam. All preparation would also qualify the individual for continuing education credits, toward their general licensure and facility requirements. Some legislation for a broadening of services offered might also be needed to alter the current state of allowable practical functions of an AA. The development of such legislative changes would likely be welcomed, as cost reduction seems to be the rule of the day with regard to medical care and spending, and this would likely improve the availability and reduce the cost of procedures significantly."
Abstract This paper provides a literature overview of chest tube removal with regard to painmanagement. It further discusses the appropriate nursing interventions that are most applicable to chest tube removal in the light of the research data and studies that are available. It concludes, based on the literature, that there is a need to explore new avenues in addition to the present standard protocols. It also examines how these new techniques, and means of reducing pain in chest tube removal, revolve around a more inclusive and interactive approach to painmanagement, where aspects such as anxiety and information flow are catered to.
Outline:
Introduction
Literary Overview of the Problematics of PainManagement Conclusion
Appendix
From the Paper "Standard pain management techniques for chest tube removal relate to medications such as Morphine. " Morphine is one of the most often, if not routinely, used opioids for treating pain due to chest tube removal." (Puntillo and Ley, 2004) However, this is not always the most effective procedure in this situation. "...when morphine was used in small doses (ie, a mean [less than or equal to] 3 mg), pain associated with chest tube removal was rated as moderate to severe. Higher morphine doses have not been tested for their effect on such pain. " (Puntillo and Ley, 2004) Other medications include the use of Ketorolac, which is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug and is considered to be an effective analgesic for pain due to chest tube removal. "
Abstract This paper presents a detailed examination of painmanagement, using medications and alternative methods. The writer explores two cases through interviews and compares and contrasts the patient's feelings about pain, the ability to manage it and the methods that they used to manage the pain. The writer compares their different cultural background and argues that often attitudes towards pain are directly related to cultural exposure.
Table of Contents:
Doris (White Middle-Aged Female)
Sara (Black Young Adult Female)
Similarities and Differences
Possible Reasons For The Differences In The Interviewees
Assessment Tools
Concerns About Opiates
Alternatives
Conclusion
From the Paper "In the search for alternatives to opiates in the management of chronic pain, studies have discovered that the regular use of NSAID's were as effective as opiates in the management of pain (Ebell, 2004).
Non pharmacological methods for the control of pain may be useful in the quest to reduce opiate use as well. Some of these methods include hypnosis, exercise monitored by a physical therapist and music therapies for relaxation and focusing away from the pain. These methods have been proven to work in many cases though cultural bias and beliefs may need to be considered when determining which method to prescribe for the patient."
Abstract This research paper focuses on how effective nurses? methods and procedures are in helping patients relieve their pain. The paper also uses information and data from existing literature and studies to identify some of the problems and issues that exist in the nurse's role in painmanagement. Furthermore, the study provides information that can improve nurses? performance of their duties and asserts that it is important to assess and evaluate how well they function in the painmanagement role because this information will improve the delivery of their main and overall responsibilities.
From the Paper "Nurses play a major role in the provision of healthcare to our society. The roles performed by nurses should never be underestimated because the responsibilities they need to meet grow everyday. Among the important duties of a nurse, providing relief to pains is perhaps the foremost concern their profession demands. Their role in assisting patients, and ensuring that patients are in the most comfortable condition, is important to patients? overall treatment and healing process."
Abstract This paper discusses what nursing related factors contribute to and impact on or affect painmanagement in the pediatric population. It discusses the nature of pain in this population group and the difficulty in treating it due to the fact that the child cannot communicate his/her pain to either parents or nurses. The paper suggests that a high level of competence is needed by nurses in this field.
From the Paper "Literature Review Introduction Achievement of effective pain management among the pediatric population can be virtually impossible because the child cannot communicate his/her pain to either parents or nurses (Polkki, 2003). A high level of competence will be required by nurses in this setting. The research question for this literature review is: what nursing related factors contribute to and impact on or affect pain management in the pediatric population? Polkki et al.'s (2003) research was directly concerning with factors that both promote and interfere with nurses using nonpharmacological methods of pain alleviation."
Abstract This paper attempts to further the research already compiled regarding the beneficial effects of music on the healing and painmanagement in the postoperative patient. The paper examines specific data which helps present a guideline to health care workers for determining what types of music will be most beneficial to the individual patient. The paper discusses the need for a follow-up investigation that will help to reveal the long term benefits of a patient treated with music therapy as part of the postoperative regimen.
From the Paper "The management of pain in postoperative patients is a challenging and vital problem to be addressed by all members of the health care field. According to Heiser et al in the 1997 AORN Journal article "The Use of Music During the Immediate Postoperative Recovery Period," there are a great many reasons why acute pain in patients is detrimental. "Poor management of this pain can contribute to patient dissatisfaction, delayed healing, and prolonged hospitalization." (Heiser et al) Additionally, other articles such as the study by Ikonomidou et al, "Effect of Music on Vital Signs and Postoperative Pain," further reveals that "Postoperative pain and nausea may prolong recovery, and the experience of psychological tension may affect the cardiovascular and immune systems." (Ikonomidou et al) In cases such as these, the overall health of the patient is negatively affected, and it is understood by some practitioners and theorists that preventable pain continuing to occur in any patient is a direct betrayal of the commitment taken to serve human health."
Abstract The paper discusses the types of pain that include chronic pain, acute pain and breakthrough pain. The paper looks at the methods to make an effective diagnosis of pain and provides an understanding of how pain occurs. The paper then explores alternative therapies for pain and focuses on massage therapy and deep breathing. The paper concludes that there is enough evidence that unconventional and alternative strategies for treatment can have beneficial effects.
Outline:
Introduction
Mechanism of Pain Kinds of Pain Alternative Therapies for PainManagement Massage Therapy
Use of Massage Therapy
Deep Breathing
Conclusion
From the Paper "There is a journal that is dedicated to the subject of pain--Pain. Pain is an important aspect of life because it is the mechanism by which the body protects itself. The capacity to monitor the integrity of our bodies and to be made immediately aware of injury through the experience of pain is critical for our survival. Individuals who are born without this capacity frequently die at relatively young ages from injuries or illnesses that they never realized they had. There are different therapeutic modalities to treat pain. Of these, massage therapy or deep breathing are two. The International Association for the Study of Pain defines pain as "... an unpleasant sensory and emotional experience associated with actual or potential tissue damage."(Merskey, 1979) Margaret McCaffrey, a social scientist and registered nurse was quoted in cancer-pain.org as saying: "Pain is whatever the experiencing person says it is, and exists whenever he says it does." (McCaffrey, 1972)"
Tags: nerves, stress, cortisol, relaxation, wellbeing, immune, system
