Does hospice rely solely on morphine to control pain?
A. No. Hospice uses a wide range of pain management techniques including simple analgesics, anti-depressants, anti-convulsants, opiods, hot and cold compresses, distraction and massage. Each patient is individually assessed in terms of his/her pain management needs, and a pain management regimen is devised in accordance with his/her wishes. Pain management is a central concern in hospice, and hospice nurses routinely assess pain during every visit. Hospice nurses are among the best trained in the healthcare field in terms of pain control. Research has shown that good pain control promotes dignity and autonomy and lengthens life.
