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1Compassion in Dying Federation, Affiliate Professor of Law, University of Washington School of Law and Seattle University School of Law, Perkins Coie, Of Counsel, Seattle, Washington 98101-3099, USA. ktucker@perkinscoie.com
Pain Medicine (Malden, Mass.)
|June 24, 2004
Summary
This case review examines pain management for an elderly mesothelioma patient in hospital and nursing home settings. It highlights legal actions by survivors alleging inadequate pain control and accountability failures.
Area of Science:
- Palliative Care
- Medical Law
- Geriatric Medicine
Background:
- Review of pain management strategies for elderly patients with terminal illnesses.
- Focus on mesothelioma, a serious asbestos-related cancer.
- Examination of care transitions between acute care and nursing home settings.
Observation:
- An elderly male patient with mesothelioma received care in an acute care hospital and a nursing home.
- The patient's pain management was reviewed in both settings.
- Survivors pursued legal action against healthcare providers and facilities.
Findings:
- Allegations of inadequate pain management were central to the legal complaints.
- Complaints were filed with multiple state and federal regulatory bodies.
- Legal action extended to state court proceedings.
Implications:
- Highlights the critical importance of effective pain management in end-of-life care.
- Underscores the medico-legal ramifications of substandard pain control.
- Emphasizes accountability for healthcare providers and facilities in palliative care.