AI Article Synopsis
- A study analyzed pain care quality for elderly patients with dementia, revealing that despite high documentation of pain assessments (98%), many patients still suffered without proper treatment.
- Although 70% of participants reported significant pain, 64% had no pain documented in their medical records, indicating a disconnect between patient experiences and clinical observations.
- Only 59% received follow-up assessments after treatment was offered, and non-drug pain management strategies were largely overlooked, highlighting the need for improved pain care in this demographic.
Article Abstract
Background/aims: Despite pervasive and debilitating pain among elders, it is underassessed and undertreated; and cognitive impairment can add challenges. We assessed the quality of pain care for community-dwelling elderly patients with dementia.
Methods: We phone interviewed 203 Veterans Affairs primary care outpatients with dementia and pain and reviewed medical records to score 15 quality indicators of pain assessment and management.
Results: Pain assessment was documented for 98%, and a standard pain scale was used for 94%. Modified pain scales were rarely used. Though 70% self-reported pain of 'quite bad' or worse, charts documented no pain in 64%. When pain was identified, treatment was offered to 80%; but only 59% had a follow-up assessment within 6 months. Nonpharmacological interventions were underused.
Conclusion: Community-dwelling elders with dementia are underdiagnosed and undertreated for pain.
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Source |
|---|---|
| http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4777960 | PMC |
| http://dx.doi.org/10.1159/000441717 | DOI Listing |
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