Janine van Kooten1, Martin Smalbrugge2, Johannes C van der Wouden2, Max L Stek3, Cees M P M Hertogh2. 1. Department of General Practice and Elderly Care Medicine and Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands. Electronic address: j.vankooten2@vumc.nl. 2. Department of General Practice and Elderly Care Medicine and Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands. 3. GGZ InGeest/Department of Psychiatry and Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: The management of pain in long-term care (LTC) residents with dementia is complex. A prospective exploratory study was conducted to describe the course of pain and pain management strategies following a guideline-based pain assessment procedure in LTC residents with pain and dementia. MEASURES: Pain observations with the Mobilization Observation Behaviour Intensity Dementia (MOBID-2) Pain Scale, a review of the electronic patient file and pharmacy files and physical examination of LTC residents with pain and dementia. INTERVENTION: Communication of the assessment results to the attending physician including guideline-based treatment recommendations. OUTCOMES: After three months, complete follow-up data were obtained for 64 residents. Pain intensity was significantly reduced (P < 0.001). The proportion of residents with persistent pain was 58% and the total number of analgesic prescriptions did not change significantly. CONCLUSIONS: There is room for improvement regarding pain management in LTC residents with pain and dementia, and performance feedback seems a promising strategy to explore further.
BACKGROUND: The management of pain in long-term care (LTC) residents with dementia is complex. A prospective exploratory study was conducted to describe the course of pain and pain management strategies following a guideline-based pain assessment procedure in LTC residents with pain and dementia. MEASURES: Pain observations with the Mobilization Observation Behaviour Intensity Dementia (MOBID-2) Pain Scale, a review of the electronic patient file and pharmacy files and physical examination of LTC residents with pain and dementia. INTERVENTION: Communication of the assessment results to the attending physician including guideline-based treatment recommendations. OUTCOMES: After three months, complete follow-up data were obtained for 64 residents. Pain intensity was significantly reduced (P < 0.001). The proportion of residents with persistent pain was 58% and the total number of analgesic prescriptions did not change significantly. CONCLUSIONS: There is room for improvement regarding pain management in LTC residents with pain and dementia, and performance feedback seems a promising strategy to explore further.