Considering chronic opioid use when planning elective surgery would likely enhance team communication, decrease stigma, and facilitate care transitioning and long-term planning.
A 3-step analgesic ladder was introduced in 1986 and needs change. Surgical interventions could reduce opioid use and motivate expansion of current pain management approaches.
This first-person narrative illuminates how the author—a nurse, artist, and dancer—uses the arts and movement to help patients and clinicians process personal loss individually and collectively in the hospital setting.
AMA J Ethics. 2022; 24(7):E681-684. doi:
10.1001/amajethics.2022.681.