Today, however, many effective treatments are available to fight the physical and psychological effects of chronic pain. These require a comprehensive, multi-disciplinary approach to treatment. The Rochester General Hospital Pain and Symptom Management Center, which was established in 1994, provides a wide array of treatments and services to help patients suffering from many different conditions that cause chronic pain. The Center uses a holistic, multi-disciplinary approach to help patients gain control over their pain and improve the quality of their lives. Since patient involvement is key to the success of a pain management program, the multi-disciplinary team members work closely with patients and their families to educate them regarding their diagnosis, medications, symptom management, treatments and other aspects of their treatment plan.
Registered nurses plan individualized teaching opportunities for each patient and family.
Diagnosing and managing pain requires a complete understanding of each patient s history as well as a knowledge of other health-related disciplines. The team members collaborate with other professionals, including referring physicians, physical therapists, pharmacists, psychologists, oncologists, social workers, home care and compensation nurses to develop the best approach to relieve pain. The physicians have completed fellowship training in chronic and cancer pain management. On the first visit, a patient will receive a comprehensive assessment which enables the staff to design an individualized treatment program. Physicians are on call 24 hours a day, seven days a week.