Pain Management

“Doctor Found Liable in Suit Over Pain,” June 15: William Bergman’s suffering and his physician’s guilt in the matter, while tragic for all involved, may prove to be of benefit to physicians and patients alike. It is past time for the medical community to realize what nurses have known for a long time--that allowing a patient to suffer agonizing pain is unconscionable and incompetent medical practice. Patients have a right to adequate pain management. Physicians need to learn pain management during medical school and residency. Nurses need to be strong patient advocates, and patients and families need to be aware that most pain can be managed well.

I would also like to point out a valuable resource--hospice. All too often, patients are not referred to hospice until the last few days of life, as happened with Bergman. When the time comes for the goal of treatment to shift from cure to comfort, hospice has the greatest expertise. I strongly urge patients and families to find out what hospice has to offer.

Patrice Marcks RN

Santa Ana