The COPE model: Its clinical usefulness in solving pain-related problems

Significant pain is a problem that always compromises the individual's abil ity to function. Barriers to adequate pain management are complex and are r einforced by societal attitudes, which are manifested by health care profes sionals, patients, and caregivers alike. Unrelieved cancer pain is acutely distracting and therefore is inimical to the ability to manage the demands and problems of daily living, The COPE model, a systematic approach to prob lem-solving, provides the patient and caregiver with the opportunity to wor k closely with their health care providers and to learn a variety of skills that result in the management of emotions; a specified course of meaningfu l, focused action; and the ability to reflect on and measure progress towar d physical comfort. This article reviews assessment questions that are esse ntial to a psychosocial and behavioral approach to cancer pain and describe s four case studies that illustrate how professionals can use the COPE mode l to structure communication and help patients solve pain-related problems.