Efficacy of the use of evidence-based algorithmic guidelines in the acute care setting for pain assessment and management in older people: a critical review of the literature.

Aim: The aim of the literature review was to identify all examples of primary research using an algorithmic approach for the implementation of a clinical practice guideline relating to pain assessment and/or management within acute care, with a specific focus on older people.

Design: Critical literature review.

Data Sources: Inclusion criteria were; English language publications within the past 13 years; peer reviewed; research conducted within a hospital; about adult inpatients.