Institute of Medicine (IOM) Report on Pain Management

The Institute of Medicine (IOM) report on pain management emphasizes the importance of understanding, assessing, and treating pain as a vital part of healthcare. It highlights that many patients suffer from untreated or inadequately managed pain and calls for better education, access to diverse treatment options, and increased research. The report advocates for a patient-centered approach that recognizes pain as a complex, multidimensional experience, aiming to improve quality of care, reduce suffering, and prevent issues like opioid misuse through balanced, effective pain management strategies.