Full Description
In this groundbreaking book, Dr. Fishman shows how communicating better with patients about their pain can help physicians create safer and more effective treatment strategies. Listening to Pain offers physicians a wealth of practical guidance about asking the right questions and assessing patient responses, including:
-What questions to ask pain patients when they first present with pain
-Using functional goals as outcome measures
-Educating patients about the risks and benefits of treatment
-Documenting patient consent and compliance with treatment regimens
-How to manage difficult patients
Contents
Introduction: The Healing Art of Communication ; Chapter 1: Asking the Right Questions ; Step 1: Slow Down ; Step 2: Focus on the Whole Patient, Not Just the Pain ; Step 3: Use Reflective Listening Skills ; The Importance of Taking a Comprehensive ; History ; Focusing on Function ; The Balancing Act of Compassion and Vigilance ; Chapter 2: Focusing on Function ; The Myth of Zero Pain ; A Different Approach ; Monitoring Functional Changes ; 'Universal Precautions' in Pain Management ; Chapter 3: Keeping Track of Treatment ; Why Documentation is a Doctor's (and Patient's) Best Friend ; Elements of Effective Documentation ; Assessment ; Patient Education About Risks and Benefits of Therapy ; Physician-Patient Treatment Agreements ; Monitoring Functional Progress, Adherence, and Adverse Events ; Modifying Treatments Over Time ; Chapter 4: Dealing With Difficult Patients ; The Sources of Aberrant Behaviors ; Managing Aberrant Patient Behavior ; Coping With Specific Aberrant Behaviors ; Terminating a Relationship ; The Rewards of Perseverance ; Chapter 5: Clinician Survival ; Appendix: Resources for Pain Management ; Acknowledgments ; About the Author