Dual Experience and Management of Pain in Older Adults and Their Caregivers.

Pain assessment and management in older adults requires a special emphasis on the needs of this population, which is often not considered within general education. The purpose of this study was twofold: to determine the availability of education on pain in older adults around the world, and to present a review and synthesis of published guidelines and key papers on pain assessment and management in older adults. Following on from this study we intend to make recommendations on what work needs to be carried out in future to inform the development of a curriculum or curriculum content specifically dedicated to pain management for older adults. A discussion forum was set up through the Pain in Older Adults Special Interest Group of the International Association for the Study of Pain (IASP) at the end of 2009. This forum was initiated to determine the current level and availability of education available around the world for health professionals on pain in older adults. A number of IASP members from countries around the world participated in the discussion and identified educational courses on pain in older adults from their member country. Following on from this discussion, a number of leading experts agreed to collate guidelines and key papers and conduct a critical review using Appraisal of Guidelines Research and Evaluation (AGREE) criteria. A total of 14 guideline documents on pain assessment and management were reviewed by the group. The papers were reviewed and graded and then agreed between reviewers. From the guideline review, some recommendations can be made, but primarily, the key recommendation from this work was to develop collaboration and a review of key evidence on which future research may be developed so an educational focus may be highlighted. This article presents a summary of those documents along with recommendations for improved and consistent education informed by the guidelines currently developed, and consistent evidence-based assessment and management of chronic pain in older adults.

Background: As the number of older adults in Thailand continues to increase, along with increased incidence of surgical intervention that causes pain, the quality of pain care in older adults is needed. Nurses are primarily responsible for assessing and managing pain in older adults (Jose Closs, 2008; Prowse, 2007). The use of evidencebased practices (EBPs) improves quality of care and saves healthcare cost. However, in Thailand where empirical study of using EBP related to pain in older adults is limited, research to understand how Thai nurses use EBP acute pain in older adults is needed. Purpose: The purpose of this study is to describe current practices, perceived barriers and perceived facilitators of Thai nurses on using EBP for assessing and managing acute pain in postoperative older adults. Method: A descriptive exploratory survey was conducted in 8 mid and large-size hospitals in Thailand. The Acute Pain EBP Questionnaire (APEBPQ) (Suwanraj, 2009) was distributed to 240 Thai nurses. 236 questionnaires were returned with the response rate of 98.3 percent. Open-ended questions related to barriers and facilitators of using EBPs were coded to identify major themes. MANOVA was performed to explore the differences between years of nursing experience on perceived barriers and facilitators. Results: The majority of participants are female (96.8%) with mean age 35.5 years (range=23-54). Thai nurses reported using 51/53 recommendations from EBPG Acute Pain most of the time/always (95%). Using an equianalgesic table (1.80±1.16) and assessing MMSE in older adults with postoperative pain (1.74±1.15) were occasionally used. Research reports published in English was the greatest barriers. Nurses perceived greatest support from a Head ward than other colleagues. Nurses with 11-20 years of nursing experience had higher reported barriers than those with 1-10 years of nursing experience.

HOW TO OBTAIN CONTACT HOURS BY READING THIS ARTICLE INSTRUCTIONS 1.4 contact hours will be awarded by Villanova University College of Nursing upon successful completion of this activity. A contact hour is a unit of measurement that denotes 60 minutes of an organized learning activity. This is a learner-based activity. Villanova University College of Nursing does not require submission of your answers to the quiz. A contact hour certificate will be awarded once you register, pay the registration fee, and complete the evaluation form online at http://goo.gl/gMfXaf. To obtain contact hours you must: 1. Read the article, "Pharmacological Approaches for the Management of Persistent Pain in Older Adults: What Nurses Need to Know" found on pages 49-57, carefully noting any tables and other illustrative materials that are included to enhance your knowledge and understanding of the content. Be sure to keep track of the amount of time (number of minutes) you spend reading the article and completing the quiz. 2. Read and answer each question on the quiz. After completing all of the questions, compare your answers to those provided within this issue. If you have incorrect answers, return to the article for further study. 3. Go to the Villanova website listed above to register for contact hour credit. You will be asked to provide your name; contact information; and a VISA, MasterCard, or Discover card number for payment of the $20.00 fee. Once you complete the online evaluation, a certificate will be automatically generated. This activity is valid for continuing education credit until November 30, 2019. CONTACT HOURS This activity is co-provided by Villanova University College of Nursing and SLACK Incorporated. Villanova University College of Nursing is accredited as a provider of continuing nursing education by the American Nurses Credentialing Center's Commission on Accreditation. ACTIVITY OBJECTIVES 1. Describe age-related barriers to pain assessment and key aspects of the assessment process. 2. Identify benefits and risks associated with commonly prescribed analgesic medications for the treatment of later life pain. DISCLOSURE STATEMENT Neither the planners nor the authors have any conflicts of interest to disclose. The current article addresses pharmacological treatment issues regarding the management of persistent pain in later life, which is a worldwide problem associated with substantial disability. Recommendations from guidelines were reviewed and data are presented regarding the benefits and risks of commonly prescribed analgesic medications. The evidence base supports a stepwise approach with acetaminophen as first-line therapy for mild-to-moderate pain. Oral nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are not recommended for long-term use. In properly selected older patients, opioid drugs should be considered if pain is not adequately controlled. Careful surveillance to monitor for benefits and harms of therapy is critical, given that advancing age increases risk for adverse effects. Key aspects of the pain care process that nurses routinely engage in are covered, including conducting pain assessments prior to initiating therapy, addressing barriers to effective pain care, educating patients and family members about the importance of reducing pain, discussing treatment-related risks and benefits, and formulating strategies to monitor for treatment outcomes. Finally, a case is presented to illustrate issues that arise in the care of affected patients. [Journal of Gerontological Nursing, 42(12), 49-57.].

Chapter 24 - Pain Assessment and Management in Older Adults

To present the third in a series of articles designed to deconstruct chronic low back pain (CLBP) in older adults. The series presents CLBP as a syndrome, a final common pathway for the expression of multiple contributors rather than a disease localized exclusively to the lumbosacral spine. Each article addresses one of 12 important contributors to pain and disability in older adults with CLBP. This article focuses on fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS). A modified Delphi approach was used to create the evaluation and treatment algorithm, the table discussing the rationale behind each of the algorithm components, and the stepped-care drug recommendations. The team involved in the creation of these materials consisted of a principal investigator, a 5-member content expert panel, and a 9-member primary care panel. The evaluation and treatment recommendations were based on availability of medications and other resources within the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) facilities. However, non-VHA panelists were also involved in the development of these materials, which can be applied to both VA and civilian settings. The illustrative clinical case was taken from the clinical practice of the principal investigator. Following expert consultations and a review of the literature, we developed an evaluation and treatment algorithm with supporting materials to aid in the care of older adults with CLBP who have concomitant FMS. A case is presented that demonstrates the complexity of pain evaluation and management in older patients with CLBP and concomitant FMS. Recognition of FMS as a common contributor to CLBP in older adults and initiating treatment targeting both FMS and CLBP may lead to improved outcomes in pain and disability.

To present the first in a series of articles designed to deconstruct chronic low back pain (CLBP) in older adults. The series presents CLBP as a syndrome, a final common pathway for the expression of multiple contributors rather than a disease localized exclusively to the lumbosacral spine. Each article addresses one of twelve important contributors to pain and disability in older adults with CLBP. This article focuses on hip osteoarthritis (OA). The evaluation and treatment algorithm, a table articulating the rationale for the individual algorithm components, and stepped-care drug recommendations were developed using a modified Delphi approach. The Principal Investigator, a five-member content expert panel and a nine-member primary care panel were involved in the iterative development of these materials. The algorithm was developed keeping in mind medications and other resources available within Veterans Health Administration (VHA) facilities. As panelists were not exclusive to the VHA, the materials can be applied in both VHA and civilian settings. The illustrative clinical case was taken from one of the contributor's clinical practice. We present an algorithm and supportive materials to help guide the care of older adults with hip OA, an important contributor to CLBP. The case illustrates an example of complex hip-spine syndrome, in which hip OA was an important contributor to disability in an older adult with CLBP. Hip OA is common and should be evaluated routinely in the older adult with CLBP so that appropriately targeted treatment can be designed.

The effects of aging present a major medical challenge in the 21st century, which will cause fundamental changes in demography. By 2031, it is estimated that 22% of the UK population will be aged over 65 years, and there will be more people in this age group than aged under 25 years. As well as implications for infrastructure and productivity, this change will alter the prevalence and impact of many illnesses and pathologies. The research priorities of many of the major funding bodies reflect this challenge. The Medical Research Council in the UK, for example, leads the Lifelong Health and Wellbeing program on behalf of all the country’s research councils. This initiative aims to identify factors that affect or improve health in later life, to inform relevant policy and practice. The Wellcome Trust lists the investigation of development, aging and chronic disease as one of its five major research challenges, and the European Commission presents the health of the aging population as one of its three overarching issues of the Health Theme in its 7th Framework Program of research. Chronic pain is a major health condition associated with aging, whose management (pharmacological and nonpharmacological) is generally unsatisfactory. The International Association for the Study of Pain designated 2006/07 as its Global Year Against Pain in Older Adults. This article reviews the relevance of existing and potential research on the assessment and management of chronic pain in older adults.

There has been a growing recognition of the need for better pharmacologic management of chronic pain among older adults. To address this need, the National Institutes of Health Pain Consortium sponsored an "Expert Panel Discussion on the Pharmacological Management of Chronic Pain in Older Adults" conference in September 2010 to identify research gaps and strategies to address them. Specific emphasis was placed on ascertaining gaps regarding use of opioid and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications because of continued uncertainties regarding their risks and benefits. Eighteen panel members provided oral presentations; each was followed by a multidisciplinary panel discussion. Meeting transcripts and panelists' slide presentations were reviewed to identify the gaps and the types of studies and research methods panelists suggested could best address them. Fifteen gaps were identified in the areas of treatment (e.g., uncertainty regarding the long-term safety and efficacy of commonly prescribed analgesics), epidemiology (e.g., lack of knowledge regarding the course of common pain syndromes), and implementation (e.g., limited understanding of optimal strategies to translate evidence-based pain treatments into practice). Analyses of data from electronic health care databases, observational cohort studies, and ongoing cohort studies (augmented with pain and other relevant outcomes measures) were felt to be practical methods for building an age-appropriate evidence base to improve the pharmacologic management of pain in later life. Addressing the gaps presented in the current report was judged by the panel to have substantial potential to improve the health and well-being of older adults with chronic pain.

Assessment and Management of Cancer Pain in Older Adults: Strategies for Success

Chronic pain occurs in 30% of older adults. This prevalence rate is expected to increase, given the growth in the older adult population and the associated growth of chronic conditions contributing to pain. No population-based studies have provided detailed, longitudinal information on the experience of chronic pain in older adults; the pharmacological and nonpharmacological strategies that older adults use to manage their chronic pain; and the effect of chronic pain on patient-reported outcomes. This article aims to describe the protocol for a population-based, longitudinal study focused on understanding the experience of chronic pain in older adults. The objectives are to determine the prevalence and characteristics of chronic pain; identify the pharmacological and nonpharmacological pain treatments used; evaluate for longitudinal differences in biopsychosocial factors; and examine how pain types and pain trajectories affect important patient-reported outcomes. Also included are the results of a pilot study. A population-based sample of approximately 1,888 older adults will be recruited from the National Opinion Research Center at the University of Chicago's AmeriSpeak Panel to complete surveys at three waves: enrollment (Wave 1), 6 months (Wave 2), and 12 months (Wave 3). To determine the feasibility, a pilot test of the enrollment survey was conducted among 123 older adults. In the pilot study, older adults with chronic pain reported a range of pain conditions, with osteoarthritis being the most common. Participants reported an array of pharmacological and nonpharmacological pain strategies. Compared to participants without chronic pain, those with chronic pain reported lower physical and cognitive function and poorer quality of life. Data collection for the primary, longitudinal study is ongoing. This project will be the first longitudinal population-based study to examine the experience and overall effect of chronic pain in older adults. Pilot study results provide evidence of the feasibility of study methods. Ultimately, this work will inform the development of tailored interventions for older patients targeted to decrease pain and improve function and quality of life.

Objective:The aim is to map out and describe, through a scoping review, the current evidence on immersive virtual reality (IVR) for postoperative pain management in surgical older adults.Background:Managing postoperative pain in older adults through pharmacological interventions poses inherent complexity and risk to the patient. There is a growing interest in nonpharmacological interventions, including IVR, to address postoperative pain in older adults. However, IVR use for postoperative pain across a spectrum of surgical procedures remains largely unknown in the older adult demographic.Methods:A comprehensive literature search of 5 databases was conducted through April 2024. Inclusion criteria were: (1) mean/median age greater than 65; (2) patients underwent surgical procedures; (3) the intervention group received IVR before, during, or after surgery; and (4) numerical postoperative pain scores were collected. Study titles/abstracts underwent initial screening against inclusion/exclusion criteria, followed by full-text screening. A narrative report was compiled with the identified studies.Results:This scoping review yielded 10 studies. Three main findings emerged: (1) IVR for postoperative pain occurred predominantly in total joint replacement surgery; (2) while over half of the studies in this review indicated that IVR could improve postoperative pain management, weak to moderate study designs and small sample sizes limited the ability to draw firm conclusions about IVR use in older adults; and (3) there was significant heterogeneity in IVR administration and program content offered.Conclusions:Despite common misconceptions that older adults are averse to new technology, this scoping review suggests that IVR for postoperative pain in older surgical adults holds potential as an acceptable and feasible intervention. This review highlights the need for more rigorous randomized clinical trials on IVR efficacy in older adults across a more diverse spectrum of surgical procedures and older adult subgroups (eg, underrepresented minority groups or those with physical/cognitive limitations).

Acute pain management in the older adult is both challenging and rewarding. This review addresses the difficulty with assessment of pain in the older adult, variations in the pain experience of older adults, physiological differences between the young and old, changes in pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics with age, and useful pharmacological treatments for acute pain in older adults. It then presents a few representative cases of pain management in older adults. The goal of this review is to provide relevant information that can be used to manage acute postoperative pain in the older adult.

In an ageing Europe, chronic pain is a major public health problem, but robust epidemiological data are scarce. This study aimed to analyse the prevalence of and factors associated with chronic musculoskeletal pain by gender in older adults of 14 European countries. A cross-sectional study was performed from wave 5 of the Survey of Health, Ageing and Retirement in Europe (SHARE). The study included people ≥50 years residing in Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, France, Germany, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland. Chronic pain was defined as being bothered by joint and/or back pain for the previous 6months. Multivariable Poisson regression models with robust variance were performed to analyse prevalence ratio by covariates, stratified by sex. A total of 61,157 participants were included. Overall prevalence of chronic musculoskeletal pain was 35.7% (28.8-31.7), ranging from 18.6% (17.1-20.1) for Switzerland to 45.6% (43.3-47.8) for France. Prevalence was higher in women than in men: 41.3% (40.2-42.4) versus 29.1% (28.0-30.3). Chronic musculoskeletal pain was lower in men aged >75 years (PR=0.82; 0.72-0.92) than the younger (50-59) group. Separated/divorced status presented opposite effects among men (PR=0.85; 0.76-0.96) and women (PR=1.12; 1.03-1.21) compared with married, and unemployment was a significant factor in men (PR=1.21; 95% CI 1.02-1.43) compared with employed. Musculoskeletal pain in older European adults is very frequent, especially in women, with large differences depending on the country of residence. Health policy makers should prioritize strategies aimed at improving the prevention and management of chronic musculoskeletal pain in Europe. This study provides epidemiological data of chronic musculoskeletal pain in older adults. Reported differences contribute to highlight the relevance of considering a gender perspective in chronic musculoskeletal pain research. Cross-national comparison also offers a map of differences that improves the knowledge of this chronic condition in Europe.

PurposeRehabilitation nurses require adequate knowledge about pain to improve patient experience and quality of care. We explored nurses’ knowledge and attitudes towards pain in older adults in a large rehabilitation hospital in Malta. DesignA cross-sectional study. MethodsIn total, 130 nurses received a short survey, which gathered sociodemographic data, information regarding usual pain management, and prior education on pain. A modified version of the Knowledge and Attitudes Survey Regarding Pain (KASRP) with 18 questions was used, alongside the 24-item Pain in the Older Adults’ Knowledge Survey (POAKS). Non-parametric tests identified factors associated with KASRP and POAKS scores. ResultsOverall, 89 nurses completed the survey (response rate 68%). The median modified KASRP score was 50% (IQR 3.00), with only two nurses achieving the proposed “adequate” score of >80%. The median POAKS score was 79% (IQR 4.00). The only determinant of performance was nationality, with Maltese nurses performing better in POAKS than non-Maltese nurses (median 20.00 (3.00) vs. 16.50 (5.00); p = .003), indicating a possible language-related performance issue. Nurses scored poorly in some questions relating to analgesia administration, particularly opioids, as well as pain indicators and pain assessment. ConclusionsRehabilitation nurses have fair knowledge of pain management in older people but require further education, particularly in opioid indications for pain management, pain expression, and assessment.

To develop a psychometrically sound tool for measuring the knowledge of nursing and care staff about the experience, assessment and management of pain in older people (including people with dementia) for use in the residential aged care setting. The Pain in Older Adults Knowledge Survey (POAKS) was developed and tested in two phases. Phase 1 involved developing an initial item pool with good content validity based on a review of the research literature and a modified Delphi technique involving national and international experts. A pool of 24 items was developed for testing. Initial testing of the psychometric properties of the POAKS with 30 university employees led to refinement and final wording of items. Phase 2 involved testing of the psychometric properties of the POAKS with 279 respondents, including first year (n = 176) and third year (n = 70) nursing students and staff in a residential aged care service (n = 33). Results established the content validity and internal consistency of the POAKS and supported its use as an instrument to measure nursing staff knowledge about the experience, assessment and management of pain in older people. The POAKS will enable residential aged care facilities to measure the level of knowledge among nursing and care staff about pain in older people (including people with dementia). The measure provides a basis for the development and implementation of educational interventions to address knowledge gaps that may impact on the quality of care provided.