Manage pain - Small acts offer significant results
The focus of palliative care is placed on the "caring" and not the "curing" of an individual facing a life-limiting illness.
"Unfortunately, pain management is too often overlooked when medical treatments are needed," says Cathie Papantonio, coordinator of the Palliative Program at Levindale Hebrew Geriatric Center and Hospital in Baltimore. "In our programs, we concentrate on easing pain, relieving stress, and enhancing the quality of life for patients and residents."
LifeBridge Health, a regional health care organization based in Baltimore County, MD, offers these suggestions:
Ask a person what he or she wants, and then actually listen to the answer. Many times, people assume that they know what is best for someone and act without consulting him or her.
Adapt activities that a person has always enjoyed doing to take his or her mind off of pain, even for a short time. Just as important is being sensitive when the person wants to remain quiet.
Create a calm, relaxing environment to aid a person's psychological well-being. This environment can be created simply turning down the lights low or having a lower wattage lamp in the room.
Music can be an added soothing element when making people comfortable. It can remind them of happy occasions earlier in their lives or comfort them in the moment.
Educate his or her family members. If they know what the side effects of pain treatment are, they can be more sensitive.
Constantly communicate with patients and their families. Empowering them and supporting them are crucial.
Realize that there is no norm when someone is in pain. Concentrating on what he or she desires should be constantly shifting. Monitoring the changes in pain levels is also vital.
Going beyond what is expected also is a way to help a person cope. Levindale uses complementary therapies such as massage, Reiki, yoga, music, art, and aromatherapy to ease pain, Papantonio says.
When a patient is terminally ill, it is important to know what the person's wishes are and to have them documented.
End-of-life concerns, fears, and expectations should be openly and honestly discussed in the context of religious, spiritual, social, and cultural customs. There is a greater need for care during the active dying phase.
"At Levindale, pain management is so important that we created the PALS committee," explains Papantonio. PALS stands for "Patients and residents are the focus of our efforts; Anticipating their needs is most important and is done by Listening to what they want and by Serving them and their family members."
PALS consists of an interdisciplinary team made up of clinical experts, social workers, clergy, guest services employees, and volunteers. Every committee member receives special training on maximizing the quality of life for patients and residents. The committee supports and coordinates resources that target the physical, psychological, social, and spiritual needs of the patient.
The focus of palliative care is placed on the "caring" and not the "curing" of an individual facing a life-limiting illness.You have reached your article limit for the month. Subscribe now to access this article plus other member-only content.
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