Understanding the experience of pain in terminally ill patients

Although half of terminally ill patients experienced moderate to severe pain, only 30% of them wanted additional pain treatment from their primary-care physician, and black patients were more likely to seek additional pain therapy, see a pain specialist, and refuse additional medication because of fear of addiction than other populations.

Abstract

Although half of terminally ill patients experienced moderate to severe pain, only 30% of them wanted additional pain treatment from their primary-care physician. The number of patients experiencing pain remains too high. However, the number is not as large as perceived. Additionally, most are willing to tolerate pain. Furthermore, the experience of pain is constant across major terminal diseases.