ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES:
Chronic pain is a complex and multidimension problem with consequences for its appreciation in different social segments. It is necessary to understand how human rights may provide basis for political health actions on the subject. This study aimed at evaluating how the legitimation of human rights to the access to chronic pain management is being dealt with.
CONTENTS:
Research tools were literature review and documental analysis. Due to the qualitative model used, we decided to follow recommendations of the Standards for Reporting Qualitative Research, available in http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24979285. Data were collected via Internet and statements, legislations and conferences related to human rights and health in chronic pain were included. Data were compared to national and international health policies, involving data from the Department of Health database. After analysis of human rights health promotion documents, we have identified that the Declaration of Montreal of 2010, developed by the International Association for the Study of Pain, has the foundations for political actions to manage and control chronic pain. Notwithstanding the participation of Brazil in support to this Declaration, there are still few concrete actions to implement strategies proposed by the model. We have also identified the major socio-economic impact of chronic pain on Brazilian contemporary society.
CONCLUSION:
Chronic pain should be studied and managed as a public health problem and health policies need to support this human right with further efficiency.
Keywords:
Chronic pain; Human rights; Right to health