Family reports of pain in dying hospitalized patients: a structured telephone survey

To see how often families in Oregon reported moderate to severe pain in dying patients in late 1998 compared with late 1997. A systematic random sample of death certificates was used to identify family members of decedents who died in a hospital setting between October 1 and December 31, 1998. A structured telephone interview was used to obtain data. Family members of 103 decedents (who died in hospitals 2 to 4 months before data collection) were identified with the use of death certificates. In late 1998, 56 family members (54%) reported that their loved one experienced moderate to severe pain in the last week of life. Family reports of moderate to severe pain in dying hospitalized Oregonians remain high. The influence of environmental factors on pain management may have implications for practice and policy nationwide.