Holistic Total Pain Management in Palliative Care: Cultural and Global Considerations

Abstract

E-mail: jbrant@billingsclinic.org Pain is a significant symptom in patients with chronic and life-threatening illness. While pain is traditionally thought of as a physiological experience, total pain recognizes the interplay of Special Edition 1 psychological, cognitive, social, spiritual, and cultural factors that influence the pain percep- Article Ref. #: 1000PMHCOJSE1108 tion and total experience. Comprehensive pain assessment and management are foundational goals within the scope of palliative care, and optimal management depends on addressing each Article History domain of the total pain experience. An overview of the total pain experience is provided, and Received: April 25th, 2017 clinicians should consider psychological, cognitive, social, spiritual, and cultural aspects in as- Accepted: May 17th, 2017 sessing pain. Pain management also addresses all domains, and suggestions are provided which Published: May 22nd, 2017 address pain management barriers and challenges. First, patients should be educated about the benefits of pain management and importance to adhere to the plan of care. Second, healthcare professionals need education in order to manage pain properly and should adhere to interna- Citation tionally recognized evidence-based guidelines to provide care. Third, barriers to overcome sys- Brant JM. Holistic total pain manage- ment in palliative care: Cultural and tem issues need to be addressed, such as working with governments and Ministries of Health global considerations. Palliat Med to increase opioid availability for those in need and to ensure that patients can have access to Hosp Care Open J. 2017; SE(1): S32- opioids whether in the hospital, home, city, or rural area. While pain is a complex phenomenon, S38. a comprehensive management plan can alleviate suffering for patients and their families.