Research dealing with delivery of care
programs must include assessment of
pain control so that we may determine the
most efficient and cost effective methods
for providing this control. In the process
we must learn which patients are best
served by which approach. In addition we
must endeavor to discover the limits of
narcotic drug efficacy. Twycross has
shown us that our prejudicial views
toward these drugs have led to overly
restrictive use. But we have yet to establish
new boundaries within which we
may comfortably administer them. And,
finally, we must interest physicians in the
management of cancer pain. Pain stands
out among the discomforts of advanced
cancer. Its relief should be the foremost
objective of palliative care and, as such,
should receive the devoted attention of
physicians.