[Satisfaction of geriatric patients with their pain therapy. Wish and reality]

The goal of this study was to determine the level of satisfaction of geriatric patients with their pain therapy, their wishes for improved treatment, and possible influencing factors.

From April to November 2002, all patients able to communicate ( n=1432) were included in the study if they had reported pain in the previous 7 days or were taking regular analgesic medication without specifying pain.

Of the geriatric patients reporting from home, 36.4% were not satisfied with their pain therapy up to that time, and 25.4% of surgical patients were dissatisfied as were 28.5% of patients treated in other departments. A total of 93.3% desired better pain treatment. Independent predictors for dissatisfaction with their therapy or wish for improvement were increasing pain intensity, frequent concomitant complaints in addition to pain, and the objectively perceived everyday competence.

This study supports the observation that competent pain therapy is necessary and that there is room for improvement in geriatric facilities. Measuring pain intensity, posing questions pertaining to satisfaction with pain therapy, and determining whether patients desire better pain treatment are all indispensable for optimal care. Pain therapy should equally address reduction of pain intensity and management of other complaints.