>Delivered-To: chronicpain@apollo.dns-solutions.net >Date: 14 Feb 2000 23:27:31 -0000 >From: jim@goedhart.com >To: chronicpain@list.goedhart.com >Subject: [chronicpain] Pain Patient's Bill Of Rights >Sender: owner-chronicpain@list.goedhart.com >Reply-To: chronicpain@list.goedhart.com > >Pain Patient's Bill Of Rights > >By: Jane Cowles, Ph.D., adapted from her book Pain Relief?(MasterMedia,1994) > >------------------------------------------------------------------------ >You have the right to: >------------------------------------------------------------------------ > >------------------------------------------------------------------------ >Have your pain prevented or controlled adequately. >Have your pain and pain-medication history taken. >Have your pain questions answered freely. >Develop a pain plan with your doctor. >Know what medication, treatment or anesthesia will be given. >Know the risks, benefits and side effects of treatment. >Know what alternative pain treatments may be available. >Sign a statement of informed consent before any treatment. >Be believed when you say you have pain. >Have your pain assessed on an individual basis. >Have your pain assessed using the 0=no pain, 10= worst pain scale. >Ask for changes in treatments if your pain persists. >Receive compassionate and sympathetic care. >Receive pain medication on a timely basis. >Refuse treatment without prejudice from your doctor. >Seek a second opinion or request a pain-care specialist. >Be given your records on request. >Include your family in decision making. >Remind those who care for you that your pain management is part of your > diagnostic, medical or surgical care. >