Low-income and minority patients are less likely to receive guideline-recommended pain treatment in all healthcare settings, according to a paper from the University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing.
The report, "Advancing a National Agenda to Eliminate Disparities in Pain Care: Directions for Health Policy, Education, Practice, and Research," is a response to the Institute of Medicine's report that called for an overhaul of pain treatment in the U.S.
The report's authors recommend:
• Creating public education programs for chronic pain and educating the public about disparities
• Instituting public health marketing campaigns for pain disparities
• Urging pain advocacy groups to unite on issues of common interest, such as disparities in pain care
• Setting quality assurance standards for pain treatment through the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services or National Quality Forum
• Including measures of disparities as part of the Pain and Policy Studies Group statewide pain report cards
Related Articles on Pain Management:
5 Trends in Pain Management With Dr. Ira Fox of the World Institute of Pain
Study: Motivation Reduces Pain Avoidance Behavior
Gerontological Society of America Releases Guidelines for Treating Seniors in Pain
The report's authors recommend:
• Creating public education programs for chronic pain and educating the public about disparities
• Instituting public health marketing campaigns for pain disparities
• Urging pain advocacy groups to unite on issues of common interest, such as disparities in pain care
• Setting quality assurance standards for pain treatment through the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services or National Quality Forum
• Including measures of disparities as part of the Pain and Policy Studies Group statewide pain report cards
Related Articles on Pain Management:
5 Trends in Pain Management With Dr. Ira Fox of the World Institute of Pain
Study: Motivation Reduces Pain Avoidance Behavior
Gerontological Society of America Releases Guidelines for Treating Seniors in Pain