When Patients with Cancer Pain Won't Take Opioids: 30 Reasons Why and What to Do About It

Your patient is in terrible pain from cancer and you have the tools to relieve it. Yet they won't take the oxycontin or morphine that you prescribed. You can see that they are suffering yet you feel powerless to help. This is a common scenario and it can lead to discord between you and your patients. You may feel like saying, "Well fine then. I can't force you to help yourself..."You feel frustrated and the patient may not feel supported. Here are 30 reasons why your patient may be hesitant to take their pain medication and guidance on what you can do about it. Help your patients, improve your doctor-patient relationships, and reduce your frustration.Let me know how it goes!Delia Chiaramonte, MDwww.integrativepalliative.comFree guide for physicians to reclaim their wellbeing at work and in life: https://trainings.integrativepalliative.com/pl/2148540010 Coping Courageously: A Heart-Centered Guide for Navigating a Loved One’s Illness Without Losing Yourself is available here: www.copingcourageously.com  Please review this podcast wherever you listen and forward your favorite episode to a friend! And be sure to subscribe!Sign up to stay connected and learn about upcoming programs:https://trainings.integrativepalliative.com/IPI-stay-in-touchI'm thrilled to be listed in Feedspot's top 15 palliative podcasts!https://blog.feedspot.com/palliative_care_podcasts/