Ethical Challenges in Chronic Pain.

Abstract

Health care providers are ethically obligated to provide effective management for patients suffering from chronic pain. Many patients have not had access to such management, and current bioethical principles are not sufficient to create the roadmap needed on how to improve current standard of care. Principles described in the emerging field of urban bioethics greatly enhance the toolbox available to providers regarding chronic pain management. Redefining the principles of autonomy, beneficence/nonmaleficence, and justice to agency, social justice, and solidarity is essential to having the framework needed to provide more ethical, equitable care.