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1997 SESSION

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SJ 366 Study; inclusion of pain management instruction in curricula.

Introduced by: Jane H. Woods | all patrons    ...    notes | add to my profiles

SUMMARY:

Study; pain management instruction. Requests the Medical College of Hampton Roads, the Medical College of Virginia of Virginia Commonwealth University and the University of Virginia Medical Center to study the inclusion of pain management in their curricula. Noting that common sense would indicate that a primary function of medical and other health practitioners is to relieve pain, this study resolution points out that many health practitioners are still unaware of the existence of the national pain guidelines for acute and cancer pain that were developed by the Agency for Health Care Policy and Research in the United States Department of Health and Human Services. Further, many prescribers are unaware of the benefits of pain management on the patient's overall condition and quality of life, e.g., shorter stays in acute facilities, quicker return to work, expanded activities, better social relationships, and less stress and anxiety. The information provided the Joint Subcommittee to Study the Commonwealth's Current Laws and Policies Related to Chronic, Acute, and Cancer Pain indicated that little, if any, time is dedicated to this subject in medical curricula and that students may be receiving insufficient guidance in this very important area.


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