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Updated: Jun 5, 2026
09:38
Determining Pain Detection and Tolerance Thresholds Using an Integrated, Multi-Modal Pain Task Battery
Published on: April 14, 2016
Managing pain in the older person
1Pain Management, The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust, London.
Nursing Standard (Royal College of Nursing (Great Britain) : 1987)
|December 31, 2010
Summary
Older adults in the UK often experience persistent pain, but assessment is difficult with cognitive impairment. Nurses must proactively address barriers to effective pain management in this aging population.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Pain Management
- Nursing Care
Background:
- The UK population is aging, with a substantial number of older adults experiencing persistent pain.
- Pain assessment in older individuals, especially those with cognitive or communication impairments, presents significant challenges.
- Existing patient, professional, and institutional barriers hinder effective pain assessment and management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine age-related physiological changes impacting analgesic prescribing and administration in older patients.
- To highlight the necessity of careful patient monitoring for pain management in the elderly.
- To outline principles for medication administration and present assessment tools for pain in older adults.
Main Methods:
- Review of age-related physiological changes affecting pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics of analgesics.
- Examination of principles for safe and effective medication administration in older adults.
- Identification and description of validated pain assessment tools suitable for elderly patients, including those with cognitive impairment.
Main Results:
- Age-related physiological changes can alter drug metabolism and distribution, requiring adjusted dosing and careful monitoring.
- Proactive nursing roles are crucial in overcoming barriers to pain assessment and management.
- Specific assessment tools can aid in evaluating pain in older patients, even with communication challenges.
Conclusions:
- Nurses in primary and secondary care need to adopt a more proactive approach to pain assessment and management in older adults.
- Understanding physiological changes and utilizing appropriate assessment tools are key to optimizing pain relief in the elderly.
- Addressing systemic barriers is essential for improving the quality of pain care for the aging UK population.
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