Psychosocial aspects of pain management: a conceptual framework for social workers on pain management teams.

To have a significant impact in the arena of pain management, social workers must be able to articulate social work values and concepts clearly, productively, and compellingly as assets in overcoming identified barriers to pain relief. A literature review concerning vulnerable populations, identified barriers, and related social policies explores alternative perspectives that social workers can bring to a multi-disciplinary team's efforts to improve the delivery of pain management technology. The article offers a beginning framework for discussions about the profession's potential contributions. The goal of these discussions is to contribute to encouraging a more pronounced involvement of social workers in pain management issues.