Multidisciplinary pain clinics for older people. Do they have a role?

Chronic pain occurs frequently in older people but is rarely considered a problem which warrants specialized attention by physicians or specialists in pain management. However a small proportion of older people with significant psychologic and physical disability from pain fail to respond to conservative management strategies. In this article, the authors describe the operations of a successful multidisciplinary pain management center for older people and briefly outline outcomes according to measures of pain, mood, and activity. Other factors that are specific and important to the management of chronic pain in older patients are discussed also. Despite some disadvantages, it is concluded that there is a place for multidisciplinary pain clinics for older people.