Main description:

In this groundbreaking book, Dr. Fishman shows how communicating better with patients about their pain can help physicians create safer and more effective treatment strategies. Listening to Pain offers physicians a wealth of practical guidance about asking the right questions and assessing patient responses, including:
-What questions to ask pain patients when they first present with pain
-Using functional goals as outcome measures
-Educating patients about the risks and benefits of treatment
-Documenting patient consent and compliance with treatment regimens
-How to manage difficult patients

Contents:

Introduction: The Healing Art of Communication ; Chapter 1: Asking the Right Questions ; Step 1: Slow Down ; Step 2: Focus on the Whole Patient, Not Just the Pain ; Step 3: Use Reflective Listening Skills ; The Importance of Taking a Comprehensive ; History ; Focusing on Function ; The Balancing Act of Compassion and Vigilance ; Chapter 2: Focusing on Function ; The Myth of Zero Pain ; A Different Approach ; Monitoring Functional Changes ; 'Universal Precautions' in Pain Management ; Chapter 3: Keeping Track of Treatment ; Why Documentation is a Doctor's (and Patient's) Best Friend ; Elements of Effective Documentation ; Assessment ; Patient Education About Risks and Benefits of Therapy ; Physician-Patient Treatment Agreements ; Monitoring Functional Progress, Adherence, and Adverse Events ; Modifying Treatments Over Time ; Chapter 4: Dealing With Difficult Patients ; The Sources of Aberrant Behaviors ; Managing Aberrant Patient Behavior ; Coping With Specific Aberrant Behaviors ; Terminating a Relationship ; The Rewards of Perseverance ; Chapter 5: Clinician Survival ; Appendix: Resources for Pain Management ; Acknowledgments ; About the Author