Pain measurement in the elderly: a review

Measurement of pain in the elderly is an issue that has received limited attention. The purpose of this review was to analyze and synthesize research findings from 1975 to 1999 that are related to pain measurement in the elderly. Based on best-evidence synthesis criteria, the review led to the selection of 15 studies. These studies used a descriptive and quantitative analytic approach and were not based on a theoretical framework. Comparison of selected pain measurement tools was incorporated in 40% of the included studies. Substantial gaps in knowledge were identified; namely, these included determining the reliability and validity of selected tools for the institutionalized or community-dwelling elder; modifying instruments to overcome barriers such as communication issues, cultural diversity, or cognitive dysfunction; and expanding the scope of pain measurement to other dimensions of the pain experience.