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Quality Indicators for Pain Management in Geriatric Patients: A Scoping Review
Melina Hendlmeier1, Evelyn Gebhardt2, Erika Sirsch2
1German Pain Society e.V., Berlin, Germany.
Summary
Validated quality indicators (QI) for geriatric pain management are lacking, especially for non-pharmacological approaches. Standardized, evidence-based QIs are crucial for improving comprehensive pain care in older adults.
Area of Science:
- Geriatric Medicine
- Pain Management
- Healthcare Quality Improvement
Background:
- Quality indicators (QI) are vital for healthcare quality assessment internationally.
- Pain is prevalent in geriatric patients, a vulnerable population with multimorbidity.
- QI can enhance pain management strategies for older adults.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify international quality indicators (QI) for pain management in geriatric patients.
- To assess the current landscape of QI for geriatric pain care.
Main Methods:
- A scoping review was conducted following Joanna Briggs Institute methodology.
- The review adhered to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR) guidelines.
- International QIs for pain management in geriatric patients were systematically identified.
Main Results:
- 129 QIs were identified, showing significant variation in screening and reassessment timeframes.
- Most identified QIs focused on pharmacological pain management.
- Non-pharmacological interventions were addressed by few QIs, with limited use of Donabedian's framework and QI definitions.
Conclusions:
- A significant gap exists in validated QIs for geriatric pain management, particularly for non-pharmacological interventions.
- There is a need for standardized, evidence-based QIs to ensure high-quality, comprehensive pain care for geriatric patients.
- Developing robust QIs is essential for advancing geriatric pain management.
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