Evidence-Based Assessment and Treatment of Persistent Pain in the Community-Dwelling Elderly Receiving Home Health Services: A Pathway

Abstract

Persistent pain is a problem for a significant portion of the community-dwelling elderly. Many elderly are reluctant to admit to pain because of fears related to areas such as loss of independence and possible addiction. Cognitively impaired elders may have difficulty expressing persistent pain and understanding pain assessment questions. Because of these and other concerns, the home health nurse faces many challenges when assessing persistent pain in the community-dwelling elderly. A persistent pain pathway was developed to assist home health nurses at Senior Care in the assessment and treatment of persistent pain. Evaluation of its use after 3 months showed an agency-wide increase in client assessment and treatment of pain.

Keywords

professional practice evidence based chronic pain persistent pain aged/elderly critical pathways home health care

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