In a recent article in the Journal of Medical Ethics, the ethical violation caused by undertreating pain is examined.  Too few pain specialists exist worldwide.  Most pain specialists deal with patients with terminal conditions.  Doctors outside pain and palliative specialties are often not familiar with pain guidelines.  The author argues that physicans who are not pain specialists should also be familiar with pain guidelines so they are able to help relieve pain symptoms.  Undertreating pain symptoms is a violation of ethical practices.

To read the abstract, click here.