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When the Spirit Hurts
An Approach to the Suffering Patient
Emil P. Lesho, DO
Arch Intern Med. 2003;163:2429-2432.
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| Since this article does not have an abstract, we have provided the first 150 words of the full text and any section headings. |
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INTRODUCTION
Our compassion must stem from a recognition of their suffering.—The Dalai Lama
Suffering, or spiritual pain, receives little attention in medical education, research, or practice.1 Institutional standards for pain management often address only physical pain,2 the inadequate treatment of which is widespread and well documented.3-5 However, suffering is more individualized, more elusive than pain.6-7 Suffering, like physical pain, may go unrecognized and undertreated even in the best settings1, 3, 8 and amidst very compassionate caregivers, simply because of inadequate diagnostic skills and knowledge about the nature of suffering.7 While we may not be able to alleviate suffering in the same manner or to the same degree as we can physical pain, the simple recognition of suffering in the patient is the first step in a truly holistic approach, allowing the patient to feel the therapeutic power of compassion and begin healing.
No specialty or subspecialty is free . . . [Full Text of this Article]
WHY IS THE RECOGNITION AND ALLEVIATION OF SUFFERING SO IMPORTANT?
WHY IS THE ALLEVIATION OF SUFFERING SO CHALLENGING?
HOW CAN WE IMPROVE OUR ABILITY TO RECOGNIZE SUFFERING?
HOW CAN WE IMPROVE OUR ABILITY TO RELIEVE SUFFERING?
From the US Army Medical Department Activity, Heidelberg, Germany.
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