By: Jane Cowles, Ph.D., adapted from her book, "Pain Relief?" (Master Media, 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 = not 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.