Title: A Model Program to Increase Access to Satisfactory Pain Control for Low and Moderate Income Patients with Advanced Terminal Disease

Funded by: The Nathan Cummings Foundation

Status: Completed

Overview: The purpose of this research is to improve access to quality and satisfactory pain management for individuals with advanced terminal disease who are without adequate health insurance or of low to moderate socioeconomic status. As part of this project we will assess participant’s pain, methods of pain control and the use of pain medications. We will also identify and document the social, cultural, religious and economic barriers that appear to impede optimal pain control. Inability to afford long-acting pain medication is an important and significant barrier to maintaining pain control. Following our assessment, we will refer the participant to either a nurse educator and/or financial counselor to address any issues identified and we will ensure that patient education materials regarding pain management are reviewed with each participant. The goal of the project is to systematically identify and address remediable barriers to pain control in low to moderate income populations with advanced stage terminal disease who are being cared for in a home setting and who are experiencing moderate to severe pain. The project will develop and implement a replicable model program geared at addressing particularly the financial barriers that make it difficult for these populations to obtain access to recommended long acting pain medications.

Research Team:
Tina Phipps, PhD, Director
William Tester, MD
Judith Quinn, RN, MSN
Joann Ackler, RN, OCN
Nora Madison-Thompson, BA