The Maine Pain Initiative began in July, 1993 as the Maine Cancer Pain Initiative. It was modeled after the highly effective Wisconsin Cancer Pain Initiative, which began in the 1980's and is comprised of a multidisciplinary group of health care professionals, consumers and other interested persons. We need your help and support. MPI is an all volunteer, non-for-profit organizations. MPI is a committee of the Maine Hospice Council. MPI has projects ongoing, as well as many others planned for the future. We would greatly appreciate your support and welcome you to join us at our meetings. MPI ObjectivesProvide education in the assessment and management of pain. Assist in the development and utilization of appropriate pain assessment tools and standards. Assist in the development of advocacy and educational programs and materials for health care professionals, patients, their families and the public. Identify and support strategies to overcome barriers that impede access to pain relieving medications. Conduct research relevant to the problems and barriers that face patients in a large rural state like Maine.
The FactsAn estimated 50 million Americans cope daily with pain. Many patients have significant pain, which is often needlessly unrelieved. 90% of pain can be relieved, but the tools we have are not being utilized. This inadequately treated pain destroys the quality of life for these people.
Additional Facts9 of 10 Americans regularly suffer from pain. A 1999 survey suggest that only 1 in 4 individuals with pain receive appropriate therapy (Chronic Pain in America Survey. Conducted for the American Pain Society, the American Academy of Pain Medicine, and Janssen Pharmaceutica, 1999) As the population ages, the number of people who will need treatment for pain from back disorders, degenerative joint diseases, rheumatologic conditions, visceral diseases, and cancer is expected to rise tremendously. Chronic pain is the most common cause of long-term disability, and almost one third of all Americans will experience serve chronic pain at some point in their lives. Each year, an estimated 25 million Americans experience acute pain due to injuries or surgery and another 50 million suffer chronic pain. Individual with poorly controlled pain may experience anxiety, fear, anger, or depression. Mounting health care costs and disability compensation reflect poor care for pain-related conditions. Pain is a major cause of work absenteeism, underemployment, and unemployment. Poorly managed acute pain may cause serious medical complications, impair recovery from injury or procedures, and can progress to chronic pain. Recent studies suggest that many types of pain are significantly undertreated. Undertreated chronic pain can impair an individual’s ability to carry out daily activities and diminish quality of life. Undertreated pain causes significant suffering. Undertreated pain has significant physical, psychological and financial consequences.
The Maine Pain Initiative committee meets on the third Monday of each month in the American Cancer Society conference room located in Topsham, Maine. The meetings are open to all interested parties. |
