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[Pain treatment in geriatric patients]
H D Basler1, N Griessinger, U Hankemeier
1Institut für Medizinische Psychologie der Philipps-Universität Marburg. basler@med.uni-marburg.de
Der Urologe. Ausg. A
|March 27, 2004
Summary
Effective geriatric pain management prioritizes physical and mental function maintenance. Multidisciplinary approaches, including "start low-go slow" medication titration and tailored physical activity, are key for chronic pain patients.
Area of Science:
- Geriatric medicine
- Pain management
- Rehabilitation
Context:
- Geriatric patients with chronic pain require specialized treatment to maintain functional abilities, crucial for activity and participation.
- Multidisciplinary treatment, potentially including invasive procedures, is the most effective strategy for managing chronic pain in the elderly.
- Age-related pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic changes necessitate careful medication management, following the 'start low, go slow' principle.
Purpose:
- To outline optimal pain management strategies for geriatric patients, focusing on functional preservation.
- To emphasize the importance of multidisciplinary approaches and tailored pharmacological guidelines for chronic pain in older adults.
- To highlight the role of physical activity and psychological support in geriatric pain treatment.
Summary:
- Multidisciplinary treatment is recommended for geriatric chronic pain, integrating pharmacological approaches guided by the WHO medication ladder with adjusted titration ('start low, go slow').
- Physical activity augmentation should follow similar principles, incorporating learning theories, pain management, and psychological strategies to encourage patient participation.
- Nurses are vital in assessing pain and supervising treatment, though challenges remain in managing refractory pain cases.
Impact:
- Improved functional capacity and quality of life for geriatric patients suffering from chronic pain.
- Enhanced understanding of age-specific medication titration and the integration of physical and psychological therapies in pain management.
- Provides a framework for healthcare professionals, particularly nurses, in optimizing pain care for the elderly.