Characteristics of older adults receiving opioids in primary care: treatment duration and outcomes.

Objective: To describe characteristics of older adults who received opioids for chronic non-cancer pain (CP), ascertain types of opioid treatments received, and examine associations between patient characteristics and treatment outcomes.

Design: Retrospective cohort study.

Setting: Primary care practice in New York City.

Outcomes associated with opioid use in the treatment of chronic noncancer pain in older adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

This systematic review summarizes existing evidence regarding the efficacy, safety, and abuse and misuse potential of opioids as treatment for chronic noncancer pain in older adults. Multiple databases were searched to identify relevant studies published in English (1/1/80-7/1/09) with a mean study population age of 60 and older. Forty-three articles were identified and retained for review (40 reported safety and efficacy data, the remaining 3 reported misuse or abuse outcome data).

Physical therapists' use of cognitive-behavioral therapy for older adults with chronic pain: a nationwide survey.

Background: Increasing evidence supports the use of cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) for patients with chronic pain.

Objective: This study determined whether physical therapists incorporate CBT techniques (eg, relaxation, activity pacing) when treating older patients with chronic pain, ascertained their interest in and barriers to using CBT, and identified participant-related factors associated with interest in CBT.

Design: This cross-sectional study used a telephone survey.