Evidence-Based Practice Guideline: Persistent Pain Management in Older Adults
Journal of Gerontological Nursing
|June 27, 2017
Summary
Older adults experiencing persistent pain have many evidence-based treatment options, even if underserved. Safe and effective pain management requires accurate assessment and balanced use of therapies to prevent harm and improve quality of life.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Pain Management
- Geriatric Medicine
Background:
- Persistent pain is a common issue in older adulthood, affecting a significant portion of this demographic.
- A substantial number of older adults with pain do not receive adequate or any treatment.
- Existing evidence-based treatments offer potential solutions for managing pain in this population.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight the availability of evidence-based treatments for persistent pain in older adults.
- To emphasize the importance of accurate pain assessment and its impact on daily functioning.
- To advocate for the safe and effective integration of various therapeutic modalities.
Main Methods:
- Review of evidence-based approaches for pain management in older adults.
- Discussion on the principles of accurate pain assessment and functional impact evaluation.
- Emphasis on balancing pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions.
Main Results:
- Many evidence-based treatments are available for older adults with chronic pain.
- Accurate assessment and a balanced approach are crucial for safe and effective pain control.
- Integration of non-drug therapies is essential for overall treatment safety.
Conclusions:
- Evidence-based strategies can help older adults manage persistent pain effectively.
- Proper assessment and a combination of therapies improve outcomes and quality of life.
- Adopting a comprehensive approach ensures older adults can thrive despite chronic pain.
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