Step 4: Person-Centered Care
“Medicine is a patient-specific art, not a science,” said Russell, adding, “We need screening tools to evaluate each resident.”
She also noted that it is important to look at strategies for long-term versus short-term pain management needs. For instance, aggressively treating post-operative pain may be appropriate so that the pain doesn’t last longer.
Bose agreed, noting, “We talk about the harms and risks of opioids, but we also have to address the benefit of these medications when they are used appropriately.” He added, “We had a huge pendulum swing from easy access to opioids to a place where physicians are afraid to prescribe them. We need balance.”