Pain Management & Opioid Misuse Learning Collaborative - Session 1: Cultural Dimensions of Pain Management

While the assessment and treatment of pain is a universally important health care issue, modern medicine still struggles to agree on a method to measure pain perception. Difference among individuals based on culture, gender, age and a variety of characteristics means that although nearly all people experience pain sensations similarly, studies show there are important differences in the way people express their pain and expect others to respond to their discomfort. There are often conflicting attitudes about using pain medication. An understanding of the impact of culture on the pain experience is important in assuring effective patient care. This session will review a series of considerations when developing and approach to pain management, addressing some of the most common issues faced by patients and providers.