S2: Episode 19- Improving Patient Access to RELIEVE Cancer Pain

Show notes- Mourning Dove Medical Presents Dr. G at the Heart of Healthcare Guests Dr. Gobi Paramanandam Chip Mitros, Medtronic Mission-Educate & Empower in three parts, helping listeners ‘SEE’ what’s needed to navigate the healthcare system. 1. Story (theme) Dr. G learned about intrathecal therapy (cancer pain pump) during the Annual Assembly of Hospice and Palliative Care in Phoenix, Arizona. Discussed a case of cancer symptoms intractable nausea vomiting and the oral medication caused gagging. 2. Educate -Teaching points Intrathecal therapy usage in the Palliative Care is potentially LIFE CHANGING for patients. Article https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21587327/ Dr. G challenges specialists to facilitate broader PATIENT ACCESS to this pain pump: - Oncologists - Palliative Care - Hospice agencies Economic savings for healthcare, improves pain scores and function ECOG score; able to use less medication since it is delivered to CNS. Interventional pain and palliative care physicians can help. AVOID recurrent hospitalizations (hospice revocations) for pain crisis NO NEED to switch medications along continuum of care, medication stable in pump months (Evidence Matrix available by request) 3. Empower -A valuable a resource https://www.medtronic.com/us-en/patients/treatments-therapies/pain/cancer-pain-pump.html Website info https://mourningdovemedical.com #hapc #EducateAndEmpower #PeaceOfMind #TheRealDealAboutHospice #Cancer #Pain #PatientAccess #Palliativecare