Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 14, 2026

Determining Pain Detection and Tolerance Thresholds Using an Integrated, Multi-Modal Pain Task Battery
09:38

Determining Pain Detection and Tolerance Thresholds Using an Integrated, Multi-Modal Pain Task Battery

Published on: April 14, 2016

Pandemonium over painkillers persists

David Cowan1

  • 1Faculty of Health and Social Care, London South Bank University. david.cowan@lsbu.ac.uk

British Journal of Community Nursing
|May 17, 2007
PubMed

Insights

Chronic pain management requires more research, especially for older adults. Long-term studies on common pain medications are essential for safe and effective nurse prescribing.

Area of Science:

  • Pain Management
  • Geriatric Pharmacology
  • Pharmacovigilance

Background:

  • Chronic non-cancer pain is inadequately treated, particularly in older populations.
  • Previous research highlighted the need for safety and efficacy data on NSAIDs and opioids in the elderly.
  • Ongoing concerns exist regarding NSAID-induced pathology and the safety of COX-2 inhibitors.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To underscore the continuing need for research into pain medication safety and efficacy.
  • To emphasize the necessity of long-term studies for commonly used pain medications across all age groups.
  • To inform evidence-based nurse prescribing practices.

Main Methods:

  • Review of existing literature and safety concerns regarding NSAIDs and opioids.
  • Identification of research gaps in geriatric pain management.
  • Analysis of the need for comprehensive, long-term medication studies.

Main Results:

  • Safety concerns persist for NSAIDs, including COX-2 agents, and opioids due to dependence potential.
  • Significant research gaps remain in understanding the long-term effects of pain medications in diverse age groups.
  • Current data is insufficient to fully inform optimal prescribing for older adults.

Conclusions:

  • Further long-term research on pain medications is crucial for all age groups, especially older adults.
  • Addressing under-treatment of chronic pain requires robust safety and efficacy data.
  • Improved data will enhance the quality and safety of nurse prescribing for pain management.

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