Evaluation of the quality of care of elderly patients with chronic and breakthrough pain treated with opioids: SAND study.

Objective: The objective of this study was to evaluate the quality of care of elderly patients with treatment for chronic pain (CP) and breakthrough pain (BTP).

Methods: A cross-sectional observational study was conducted in 20 pain units, selecting patients aged 70 years or older with baseline controlled CP in treatment with opioids and a diagnosis of BTP. Patients were classified as first episode of BTP or patient in follow-up.