A piece of my mind: painful prescriptions
Hill, C.Stratton.
JAMA 257(15): 2081
1987
ISSN/ISBN: 0098-7484 PMID: 11643964 Document Number: 294335
The author illustrates by example the myths and misconceptions that still exist among physicians concerning the proper use of narcotics to alleviate the chronic, intractable pain of advanced cancer. He maintains that the patient whose physical and psychological suffering is relieved by regularly scheduled narcotic analgesics is not an addict. Hill urges physicians to reeducate themselves about pain control and not to allow a concern for potential abuse to prejudice professional judgment and the duty to relieve pain and suffering.