Pain Management

Montgomery Hospice and Prince George’s Hospice patients know that we listen to their priorities and wishes as well as their fears and questions. We try to help each patient live as fully as possible during his or her remaining time. One issue that frequently is concerning to patients is pain; they ask: “Will my condition eventually cause me pain, and will we be able to do something about it?” or, “I have terrible pain now; can you help relieve this pain?”

Yes. We can help.

In a study published last year in the Journal of Clinical Oncology, only 5 percent of cancer patients with less than six months to live had an accurate understanding of their illness. Thirty-eight percent couldn’t remember ever talking to their doctor about their life expectancy.

Treating Cancer: Hope vs Hype, Published June 12, 2017

Advice for Practitioners

SPIKES: A Six-Step Protocol for Delivering Bad News: Application to the Patient with Cancer

Widely used by hospice and palliative care professionals. Developed by Robert Buckman,

National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization (Caring Connections): Talking About Treatment Options and Palliative Care: A Guide for Clinicians

National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization (Caring Connections): Advice for Physicians Caring for Dying Patients

 

VIDEO RESOURCES

End-of-life conversations

Below are resources for talking to patients, residents or clients about end of life.