Copyright © Diane Gainey -  "There is a silence into which the
world cannot intrude. There is an ancient peace you carry in
your heart and have not lost."   Whole Patient Pain Assessment
Physical What is the likely cause of this pain in this patient
at this time? What structural or functional abnormality would
cause this pain pattern? Psychological How is the patient coping
with the pain? How much anxiety or depression is present? What
are the patient's ideas, concerns or expectations about pain and
its management in this situation? What information do they need?
Social How is the pain affecting the family? How much family
anxiety is present? What are the family's ideas, concerns and
expectations? (These may differ from the patient's) How have
family dynamics been affected by this illness? How is the pain
limiting the usual role(s)? Spiritual How much distress or
suffering is this patient experiencing? What does the pain mean
to them? What does the illness mean to them? What sustains them
in difficult times?