Perry G Fine1. 1. Pain Research Center, School of Medicine, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah 84108, USA. perry.fine@hsc.utah.edu
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Chronic or persistent pain is a common problem in older adults and is often associated with significant physical disability and psychosocial problems. The potential benefits, risks, and costs of pharmacotherapy as a mainstay in the treatment of moderate to severe pain in this population must be well-understood and weighed accordingly. Recent treatment guidelines have been introduced that can guide decision making to optimize pain-related treatment outcomes in older individuals OBJECTIVES AND RESULTS: This review article describes and summarizes key evidence-based recommendations that were derived by a committee convened by the American Geriatrics Society in order to provide guidance to optimize pharmacotherapy in the management of persistent pain in older individuals. CONCLUSIONS: It is postulated that ongoing education of clinicians who treat older patients with persistent moderate to severe pain will lead to improved outcomes in this vulnerable population. Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
BACKGROUND: Chronic or persistent pain is a common problem in older adults and is often associated with significant physical disability and psychosocial problems. The potential benefits, risks, and costs of pharmacotherapy as a mainstay in the treatment of moderate to severe pain in this population must be well-understood and weighed accordingly. Recent treatment guidelines have been introduced that can guide decision making to optimize pain-related treatment outcomes in older individuals OBJECTIVES AND RESULTS: This review article describes and summarizes key evidence-based recommendations that were derived by a committee convened by the American Geriatrics Society in order to provide guidance to optimize pharmacotherapy in the management of persistent pain in older individuals. CONCLUSIONS: It is postulated that ongoing education of clinicians who treat older patients with persistent moderate to severe pain will lead to improved outcomes in this vulnerable population. Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Authors: Juyoung Park; David Newman; Ruth McCaffrey; Jacinto J Garrido; Mary Lou Riccio; Patricia Liehr Journal: J Gerontol Soc Work Date: 2016 Oct - Nov