We have forwarded this paper to all the Medical Boards and Associations in Canada. We encouraged them to take it to their members and discuss adopting the principles in this statement. At this time we have heard favorable back from the British Columbia Medical Association, the Yukon Medical Association, the Medical Society of Nova Scotia and the College of Family Physicians. The following is the position statement on pain relief. Almost all acute and cancer pain can be relieved, and many patients with chronic nonmalignant pain can be helped.
Patients have the right to the best pain relief possible.
Unrelieved acute pain complicates recovery. Unrelieved pain after surgery or injury results in more complications, longer hospital stays, greater disability and potential long-term pain. Routine assessment is essential for effective management. Pain is a subjective and highly variable experience. Therefore patient's self-report of pain should be used whenever possible.