Survey finds chronic pain sufferers unsatisfied with pain ...( 0 people to identify the scope of pain...),Health

The Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations adopted standards that recognize the right of patients to appropriate pain assessment and management. Physicians and patients need to understand that pain can be managed, said Dr. Foley. Physicians must determine the severity and frequency of their patients pain experience to prescribe the most appropriate and effective pain management regimen. Pain treatment needs to be individualized.

Many of the surveyed patients believe their family is tired of hearing about their pain-related problems, such as quality of life issues, and feel that their family doesnt understand how their pain affects their life. Forty percent of patients surveyed are uncomfortable discussing their pain with family and friends and 37 percent say it can be isolating.

While many aspects of daily living are affected by pain, interference with sleeping ranked first with a majority of surveyed patients (56 percent). They also report that pain affects their overall mood, (51 percent), ability to drive (30 percent), ability to have sexual relations (28 percent) and ability to feed themselves (7 percent).

In their search for relief, many chronic pain patients reported extensive efforts. On average, they have seen three physicians for their pain and have taken 3.7 different kinds of prescription medications as part of their pain treatment. Those who suffer from severe or constant pain traveled far for help, with more than 20 percent of surveyed patients traveling 51 miles or more for treatment.

Patients reported generally receiving treatment first with non-prescription OTC medications such as aspirin, acetaminophen, nonsteroidal anti-
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Contact: Shannon Walsh
swalsh@porternovelli.com
212-601-8128
Porter Novelli
13-Nov-2000