Abstract and Introduction
Abstract
Pain at the end of life continues to be of great concern as it may be unrecognized or untreated. Although nurses have an ethical obligation to reduce suffering, barriers remain regarding appropriate and adequate pain management at the end of life. This joint position statement from the American Society for Pain Management Nursing and Hospice and Palliative Nurses Association contains recommendations for nurses, prescribers, and institutions that would improve pain management for this vulnerable population.
Introduction
The American Society for Pain Management Nursing (ASPMN) and Hospice and Palliative Nurses Association (HPNA) hold the position that nurses and other health care providers must advocate for effective, efficient, and safe pain and symptom management to alleviate suffering for every patient receiving end-of-life care regardless of their age, diseases, history of substance misuse, or site of care. This position statement is directed to the special needs of those individuals with a serious illness and a prognosis of days to months. Other guidelines are available to direct care for those receiving active treatment or those who are long-term survivors (Chou et al., 2009, Dowell et al., 2016, Paice et al., 2016, Ripamonti et al., 2012, Swarm et al., 2013). In addition to the recommendations provided in this position statement, the authors endorse early care integration with interdisciplinary palliative care teams and referral to hospice when appropriate (Ferrell et al., 2017).
Pain Manag Nurs. 2018;19(1):3-7. © 2018 Elsevier Science, Inc.
