Patient Pain Rights & Responsibilities

Patient Rights at Anna Jaques Hospital

Pain relief is an essential part of care, as our health care providers will explain during your initial exam at Anna Jaques. We respond quickly to reports of pain and follow standard ways to screen all patients for the presence of pain.

Our providers regularly assess the presence, quality and intensity of your pain and rely on you to self-report as the primary indicator of pain. Together, we set realistic goals to develop a plan for pain management. And we help you follow the plan to reach established goals. Your doctor will review and modify your care based on their pain management progress and changing needs.

As a patient at Anna Jaques, you can expect:

• Information about pain and pain relief measures
• Compassionate staff committed to pain prevention and management
• Health providers who respond quickly to reports of pain
• Your reports of pain will be believed
• Leading-edge pain management
• Dedicated pain-relief specialists

Learn more about a hospital stay at Anna Jaques.

Patient Responsibilities

We encourage all Anna Jaques patients to openly communicate with doctors to achieve the best results from your customized care plan. As a patient at this hospital, we expect that you will: 

• Ask your doctor or nurse what to expect concerning pain and pain management.
• Discuss pain-relief options with your provider.
• Work with your care team to develop a pain management plan.
• Ask for pain relief when pain first begins.
• Help your provider assess your pain.
• Alert your care team if your pain is not relieved.
• Tell your doctor or nurse about any worries you have about taking pain medications.

Medication

You may be advised to take medication in different ways, for example: liquids, patches, suppositories, pills or injections. It is important to take your medications as prescribed by your doctor. Please discuss with your doctor all medications you are taking, including over-the-counter medications, as well as herbal or homeopathic substances. This is essential to establish the best pain management plan for you.

Here are some common questions patients ask about taking medication.

What if my pain medicine is not working?

Tell your health care provider. You may need a different dose or medication.

Will my pain medicine constipate me?

Constipation is a common side effect of pain medicine. You can still take your medicine for pain. Check with your care team about using a laxative or stool softener to prevent constipation. Drinking more liquids and eating fruits and vegetables may help.

Should I only take pain medicine when I have a lot of pain?

Pain is easier to control when it is mild. This may mean taking your pain medicine on a regular or scheduled basis. You should take your pain medicine when you start to notice pain. Waiting too long can make it much harder to control your pain.