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Neuropathic Pain in Nursing Homes
Gisèle Pickering1,2, Marion Voute1, Elise Sortais1
1Plateforme d'Investigation Clinique, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Clermont-Ferrand, Inserm CIC 1405, Clermont-Ferrand, France.
European Journal of Pain (London, England)
|May 21, 2025
Summary
Neuropathic pain (NP) is prevalent in nursing homes but often underestimated due to diagnostic challenges. A validated 4-step algorithm improved NP management, highlighting the need for targeted professional training.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Pain Management
- Neurology
Background:
- High prevalence of pain in older adults, with underevaluated pain common in nursing home residents.
- Existing quality indicators for pain management are insufficient for addressing underevaluated pain in this population.
- Need to assess neuropathic pain (NP) prevalence, evaluation, treatment, and healthcare professional practices in nursing homes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess neuropathic pain (NP) prevalence in nursing home residents.
- To evaluate the effectiveness of a proposed 4-step NP management algorithm.
- To identify healthcare professionals' needs for optimizing NP management.
Main Methods:
- Online survey conducted via REDCap software from March 4 to June 28, 2024.
- Survey targeted healthcare professionals in nursing homes, covering NP prevalence, management algorithm steps, and professional needs.
- Data collected from nine nursing homes, encompassing 841 residents.
Main Results:
- Neuropathic pain (NP) prevalence was 8.5% (95% CI: 4.2-12.7%).
- The 4-step NP management algorithm demonstrated good clinical pertinence and satisfaction (mean ± SD, 7.9 ± 1.5).
- 96.8% of participants expressed a need for specific NP management training.
Conclusions:
- Neuropathic pain (NP) prevalence is significant but likely underestimated due to diagnostic issues.
- The proposed 4-step algorithm is a useful tool for NP management in nursing home practice.
- There is a clear and unmet need for enhanced training and information on NP assessment and treatment for nursing home staff and students.
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