Vol 35, (10) 753 - 832
Pain management in palliative care - An update
Kirsten AuretMBBS, FRACP, FAChPM, is Senior Lecturer, School of Medicine and Pharmacology, University of Western Australia, and Medical Director, Palliative Care Unit, Hollywood Private Hospital, Perth, Western Australia.
Sarah Pickstock MBBS, FAChPM, MA, is Staff Specialist, Palliative Care Unit, Hollywood Private Hospital, Perth, Western Australia.
BACKGROUND: Pain is a common and feared problem for those with advanced cancer. The goal of palliative care is to relieve suffering and improve quality of life. A step-by-step approach allows good symptom management and minimisation of drug side effects.
OBJECTIVE: This article aims to improve the general practitioner’s confidence in prescribing in the palliative care setting and to encourage early involvement of community palliative care teams.
DISCUSSION: Opioid initiation and substitution, and the role of other medications and nondrug therapies in controlling cancer pain are discussed.
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Pain management in palliative care - An update (249Kb)
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