A key to these new standards is the emphasis of the patients right to appropriate assessment and management of pain. These newly developed standards have been endorsed by the American Pain Society. These standards have been endorsed by the American Pain Society. The new standards explicitly acknowledge that pain is a co-existing condition with a number of diseases and injuries, and requires explicit attention. For example, a patient with breast cancer should effectively be treated not only for the actual illness but also for any associated pain.
Unrelieved pain has enormous physiological and psychological effects on patients.
Research clearly shows that unrelieved pain can slow recovery, create burdens for patients and their families, and increase costs to the health care system. The standards will first be scored for compliance in 2001. The Joint Commission earlier this year sent copies of the proposed pain management standards to accredited health care organizations, a variety of professional groups and associations, consumer groups, and purchasers. Overall, the proposed standards were well received, achieving an average approval rating of 92 percent. Beginning immediately, the Joint Commission will undertake a comprehensive effort to engage other key professional organizations in the promotion of effective pain assessment and management.