Hospice eNews

What the Media Said about End-of-Life Care This Week

Week of October 24, 2005

…a service of Florida Hospices and Palliative Care

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WEST VIRGINIA ADDRESSING PAIN AND EOL CARE

The first West Virginia Pain Summit, sponsored by a coalition of pain management organizations, was held in Charleston on October 14. During the summit, the West Virginia Pain Initiative announced results of a telephone survey showing that 70% of state residents have moderate to severe pain on a monthly basis and that the most common causes are arthritis and back pain. James Keresztury, coordinator for the Initiative, said that focus on cancer and end-of-life pain is important and noted that other causes of pain also deserve consideration.

The survey also revealed that about two-thirds of the survey participants were unaware of resources that could help them address their issues with pain. Keresztury said, "It is obvious that area people need more information about managing their pain and we want to make sure treatment is available and those in pain know where to find help."

Dr. Alvin Moss, director of the West Virginia Center for End of Life Care at West Virginia University, said that West Virginia is among the top five states in policies for treating pain. “A recent policy change by West Virginia’s boards of Medicine and Osteopathy enhances the education of health care professionals on how to prescribe pain medication,”said Moss. West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources Secretary Martha Walker issued a proclamation from the governor declaring October "Pain Awareness Month."

Moss and other officials also announced that the West Virginia Center for End of Life Care will receive $500,000 from the Claude Worthington Benedum Foundation to continue its efforts. Additionally, the National Institute for Nursing Research will give $300,000 for a study on “how patients’ and families’ wishes are addressed regarding end-of-life care.” (NY Newsday, 10/14)

GAP EXISTS BETWEEN BLA