What do older adults want from spine care?

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Rehabilitation Medicine
• Pain Management

Background:

• Older adults represent a significant demographic for back pain (BP) but are underrepresented in research.
• Clinical characteristics and psychosocial needs differ in older patients (over 65) compared to younger individuals.
• Standard patient-centered outcomes for BP may not align with the priorities of older adults.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify the most important treatment outcomes for adults over 65 years of age experiencing back pain.
• To understand the unique goals and expectations of older adults regarding back pain treatment.

Main Methods:

• Qualitative study involving interviews with older adults seeking treatment for back pain.
• Thematic analysis of transcribed interviews to extract main themes and constructs.
• Generation of hypotheses regarding older patients' treatment desires for spine conditions.

Main Results:

• Age significantly influenced treatment goals, acting as a moderator or motivator.
• Primary concerns included returning to usual activities and preventing further physical limitations to maintain independence.
• Outcomes like increased walking tolerance and improved balance were highly valued; provider confidence facilitated goal achievement.

Conclusions:

• Older adults with back pain prioritize functional independence and daily activities over pain relief and work-related outcomes.
• Findings suggest a need for tailored outcome assessment protocols for older populations.
• This study is foundational for improving the quality of care for elderly patients with back pain.