Facilitating the Use of Noninvasive Pain Management Strategies with the Terminally Ill

SUMMARY

In this paper a number of issues that appear to transcend the range of noninvasive interventions described in this volume are examined. Specifically, we raise the important issue of barriers to treatment. Among those discussed are patients,’ their significant others,’ as well as health care providers’ conceptualizations of and biases regarding pain and pain control. We emphasize that it is important not only to focus on the details of the specific techniques described but also on how most effectively to present information. We note that it is important to customize any noninvasive intervention to the specific needs of the patient and their significant others. We provide some suggestions as to how this might be accomplished. Finally, we discuss some attitudes and beliefs held by health care providers that may inhibit their use of the full range of noninvasive techniques that are available for managing pain.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Dennis C. Turk

Dennis C. Turk is affiliated with the Department of Psychiatry and Pain Evaluation and Treatment Institute, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine.

Caryn S. Feldman

Caryn S. Feldman is affiliated with the Pain Evaluation and Treatment Institute, Presbyterian University Hospital.