The propriety of narcotic usage in hospitalized patients

The propriety of narcotic usage at the Hadassah Hospital has been studied in 35 cancer patients and 70 post-operative patients. Eighty-three per cent of the cancer patients and 66% of the surgical patients remained in moderate to severe distress in spite of the analgesic therapy. Insomnia and anxiety, plus depression in the cancer patients, were the major results of uncontrolled pain. The inadequacy of the treatment was attributed to the incorrect selection of medication, usage "as needed' policy and smaller daily doses than advocated. This resulted mainly because of exaggeration of the risk of tolerance and addiction by both patients and personnel.