Pain prevalence, experiences, and self-care management strategies among the community-dwelling elderly in Taiwan

Pain and Its Management in Patients Referred to a Geriatric Outpatient Clinic

(1) Background: A major problem affecting geriatric patients is pain. In addition to pain, a significant problem of old age is dementia and depression, which can hinder the diagnosis and treatment of pain. The aim of this study was to analyse the prevalence of pain in patients treated in a geriatric outpatient clinic and the treatment used. (2) Methods: The analysis was based on the records of 937 patients who visited the Geriatric Outpatient Clinic in Dobre Miasto between 2015 and 2020. Based on records containing data dating back to their first visit to the hospital, patients' experiences of pain, the presence of depressive symptoms and dementia, and the pharmacological treatment used for pain (analgesics and coanalgesics) were analysed. (3) Results: Pain complaints were reported by 311 patients (33.2% of the study group), 76% of the complaints were from females. The mean age of the patients was 78 years (SD = 8.45). At least one analgesic drug was taken by 107 patients (34.4%). The most commonly used analgesics were opioids (63 patients, 58.87%), especially tramadol. Of the potential coanalgesics, the largest number of patients used an antidepressant. (4) Conclusions: Despite the widespread prevalence of pain among the elderly, only about one-third of them were taking pain medication, mainly in the form of weak opioids. Patients with symptoms of dementia were found to report pain less frequently.

Low-level laser acupuncture reduces postoperative pain and morphine consumption in older patients with total knee arthroplasty: A randomized placebo-controlled trial

BACKGROUND

Patients commonly develop postoperative pain after total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Acupuncture-related techniques and low-level laser therapy could be beneficial for pain management for older individuals.

OBJECTIVE

To examine the effect of low-level laser acupuncture (LA) in reducing postoperative pain, pain-related interference in daily life, morphine consumption, and morphine-related side effects in older patients with knee osteoarthritis who underwent TKA.

DESIGN, SETTING, PARTICIPANTS AND INTERVENTION

A single-blind randomized placebo-controlled trial was conducted. Patients (N = 82) were recruited and randomly assigned via a computer-generated list to the LA group or a placebo group. The LA group received low-level laser therapy at Sanyinjiao (SP6), Taixi (KI3), Kunlun (BL60), Fengshi (GB31), Futu (ST32) and Neiguan (PC6) after TKA, while the placebo acupuncture group received the same treatment procedure without laser energy output.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

The primary outcome was postoperative pain intensity, and it was measured at baseline and hours 2, 6, 10, 24, 48 and 72 after TKA. The secondary outcomes, including relative pain, postoperative pain-related interference in daily life and morphine consumption, were measured at hours 24, 48 and 72 after TKA.

RESULTS

Generalized estimating equations revealed significant between-group differences in pain intensity (P = 0.01), and trend differences in pain intensity for the LA group starting at hours 10 to 72 (P < 0.05) and morphine consumption at hours 48 and 72 (P < 0.05). The changes in pain-related interference in daily life were significant (P < 0.05) at 72 h, with the exception of the parameters for worst pain, mood, and sleep. Nausea and vomiting side effects from morphine had significant between-group differences at hours 10 and 24 (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Low-level LA gradually reduced older patients' postoperative pain intensity and morphine consumption within the first 72 h after their TKA for osteoarthritis. Low-level LA may have benefits as an adjuvant pain management technique for clinical care.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov registration number NCT03995446.

Pain-coping types among older community-dwelling care receivers with chronic pain

OBJECTIVES

There is a lack of knowledge on coping with pain and sub-group specific pain-coping profiles among older home care receivers with chronic pain. To describe pain-coping strategies, identify subgroups based on cognitive and behavioral pain-coping strategies and pain-related psychological impairment and to compare these groups with regard to socio-demographic, medical, pharmacological and psychological characteristics.

METHOD

Data of 212 care receivers were examined using the German pain-coping questionnaire (FESV) to determine how they cope with pain. Subgroups were identified using hierarchic agglomerative cluster analysis, using Ward's algorithm and squared Euclidean distance, and characterized using socio-demographic, medical, pharmacological and psychological parameters. Multinomial logistic regression was used to identify variables associated with the subgroups.

RESULTS

Older care receivers apply cognitive and behavioral strategies to manage pain. Three subgroups were identified: Cluster 1 (25.9%) with good coping competences and little psychological impairment, Cluster 2 (40.1%) with poor coping competences and high psychological impairment, and Cluster 3 (34%) with good coping competences and high psychological impairment. Significant differences between the clusters were observed for age, pain intensity, pain-related interference, daily activities, depression and resilience. Logistic regression demonstrated that belonging to Cluster 2 was associated with the number of pain-reducing medications, depression and resilience. Belonging to Cluster 3 was significantly linked to daily activities, the number of pain medications, depression and the level of care required.

CONCLUSION

Differentiating between pain-coping profiles in the group of older care receivers with chronic pain necessitates target group-specific pain-oriented psychotherapeutic interventions, which can result in improved pain management.

Evaluating Traditional Chinese Medicine Interventions on Chronic Low Back Pain Using Goal Attainment Scaling

BACKGROUND

Extensive studies have been conducted to evaluate the pain relief effect of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) interventions on patients with low back pain, including in China. However, there is a dearth in the literature documenting the diverse goals of TCM interventions, let alone the overall effect of such interventions. In this study, the goal attainment scaling (GAS) method was adopted to evaluate individualised TCM interventions on chronic low back pain.

METHODS

A pre-post intervention study was conducted on patients with chronic low back pain who received individualised TCM interventions in community health services. The study was undertaken in three community health centres in Hangzhou of China. A total of 165 eligible patients were invited, and 150 participated in the study, including 136 who completed both pre- and postintervention surveys. Each participant was asked to identify three to five intended goals from a pool of 26 outcome indicators and their corresponding expectations of these goals prior to the TCM interventions. Their conditions were rated against the selected indicators on a self-report five-point Likert scale before and after the TCM interventions, respectively. Gaps between the actual conditions and the expected goals were summed up for each participant and converted into a standardised GAS score, with a higher score indicating higher achievements, and 50 indicting patient expectations were met. Linear regression models were established to determine the factors associated with the pre-post GAS changes after adjustment for variations in other variables.

RESULTS

On average, an increase of 14.99 (SD = 9.81) in the GAS scores was achieved. This resulted in a mean GAS score of 48.33 (SD = 9.74) after the TCM interventions, falling slightly short (<2) of patient expectations. The multivariate linear regression models revealed that local residents, the retired, and those who perceived lower professional competency of their attending doctors had a smaller increase in the GAS scores after adjustment for variations in other variables.

CONCLUSION

The individualised TCM interventions can help patients with low back pain to achieve their expected goals as measured by the GAS. Further studies are needed to better understand how patients set up their goals and the professional competency requirements to meet patient expectations.

Pain prevalence in hospitalized patients at a tertiary academic medical center: Exploring severe persistent pain

Objective

The pain prevalence of inpatients is not a well-studied medical issue in Asia. We have aimed to evaluate pain prevalence and characterize those patients who have suffered from severe, persistent pain.

Methods

We investigated pain prevalence using a quota sampling from 19 general wards during the year 2018. Using a structured questionnaire, eight interviewers visited patients at an age ≥ 20 years, and who had been staying in general wards for ≥ 3 days. Those patients were excluded if they were unable to respond to the interview questions. If they reported pain during hospitalization, the maximum pain level and the duration of pain suffered in the past 24 hours were assessed. Care-related pain was also surveyed.

Results

A total of 1,034 patients (M/F, 537/497) completed the survey. Amongst them, 719 patients (69.5%) experienced pain, with moderate and severe pain levels being 27.3% and 43%, respectively. Surgery was considered as it related to pain, including significantly severe pain. The top 3 care-related pain causes were needle pain, wound dressing, and change in position/chest percussion. Change in position/chest percussion and rehabilitation were associated with severe, persistent pain.

Conclusions

Pain is common in approximately 70% of inpatients, with surgery being associated with severe pain. Mobilization and rehabilitation may lead to severe, persistent pain. The periodic study of pain prevalence is essential in order to provide precise pain management.

[Pain management in nursing care in outpatient older adults in need of care]

Pain management in nursing care in outpatient older adults in need of care Abstract. Background: International data report a prevalence rate for chronic pain of up to 50 % in community dwelling older adults (> 65 years). A national study reported a prevalence rate of 68,5 % among outpatient adults (≥ 18 years). Nursing care has an important meaning in pain management. However, previous research on the quality of pain management in nursing care is insufficient. Aim: The aim of this study is to evaluate the appropriateness of pain management in nursing care in our target group. Method: The cross-sectional study is based on data from ACHE. The study comprises 219 patients. Information on subjective pain experience and pain management were obtained by face-to-face interviews and nursing documentation. Results: Our findings indicate considerable deficits in terms of pain management in nursing care. Results show a lack of systematic pain assessment as well as missing documentation of therapeutic aims and pain management in nursing care. Conclusions: The identified deficits might be the result of current framework conditions that separate nursing pain treatment in Volume V and Volume XI of the German Social Security Code services. Appropriateness in pain management in nursing care can only be ensured if framework conditions are optimized.

Deficits in pain medication in older adults with chronic pain receiving home care: A cross-sectional study in Germany

OBJECTIVE

To analyze the pattern and appropriateness of pain medications in older adults receiving home care.

METHODS

We performed a prospective cross-sectional study in patients ≥65 years old having chronic pain and receiving home care in Berlin, Germany. Data on prescribed pain medications were collected using self-reported information, nursing documents, and medication plans during interviews at home. Pain intensity was determined with the numeric rating scale (NRS) and the Pain Assessment In Advanced dementia (PAINAD) scale. The Pain Medication Appropriateness Scale score (SPMAS) was applied to evaluate inappropriateness (i.e. a score ≤67) of pain medication.

RESULTS

Overall 322 patients with a mean age of 82.1 ± 7.4 years (71.4% females) were evaluated. The average pain intensity scores during the last 24 hours were 5.3 ± 2.1 and 2.3 ± 2.3 on NRS and PAINAD scale (range 0-10, respectively). Sixty (18.6%) patients did not receive any pain medication. Among the treated patients, dipyrone was the most frequently prescribed analgesic (71.4%), while 50.8% and 19.1% received systemic treatment with opioids and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, respectively. The observed median SPMAS was 47.6 (range 0-100) with 58 (18.0%) of patients achieving appropriate values. Half of the patients were treated with scheduled, while 29.9% were only treated with on-demand medications. Cognitive status had no effect on appropriateness of pain treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

We observed substantial deficits in dosing patterns and appropriateness of pain medication in older adults with pain receiving home care. This applied to both patients with and without severe cognitive impairment.

Chronic Pain Management Among Older Adults: A Scoping Review

Chronic pain is a significant problem for older adults. The effect of chronic pain on older people's quality of life needs to be described and identified. For a decade, the Roy Adaptation Model has been used extensively to explain nursing phenomena and guide nursing research in several settings with several populations. The objective of this study was to use the Roy Adaptation Model to describe chronic pain and present a systematic scoping review of the literature about the middle-range theory of chronic pain among older adults. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses model guided a scoping review search method. A literature search was undertaken using MEDLINE, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, Ovid, and ProQuest. The search terms were "chronic pain," "pain management," "older adult," "Roy Adaptation Model," and "a scope review." The search included articles written in English published for the period of 2004-2017. All articles were synthesized using concepts of Roy's Adaptation Model. Twenty-two studies were considered for the present review. Twenty-one articles were reports of quantitative studies, and one was a report of a qualitative study. Two outcome measures were found in this systematic scoping review. The primary outcomes reported in all articles were the reduction of pain due to interventions and an increase in coping with chronic pain. The secondary outcome measures reported in all studies were the improvement of physical function, quality of life, sleep disturbance, spiritual well-being, and psychological health related to pain management interventions among older adults. Many interventions of all studies reported improvement in chronic pain management among older adults. However, to improve chronic pain management, nurses need to understand about nursing theories, the context which instruments work, and develop empirical instruments based on the conceptual model.

Gender difference in long-term use of opioids among Taiwan officially registered patients with chronic noncancer pain

Research regarding sex or gender difference in chronic pain proliferated in this decade. This study was to analyze gender difference in Taiwan patients receiving long-term opioids for chronic noncancer pain.An observational cross-sectional survey was conducted among the registered outpatients by the Taiwan Food and Drug Administration. Participants completed a self-report questionnaire, including the Taiwanese version of Brief Pain Inventory and enquiry regarding sexual activities, depressive symptoms, and misuse behaviors.In total, 68 female and 142 male patients were analyzed. Both pain intensity and daily function interference reduced comparably (around 50%) between women and men after taking opioids in the past 1 week. The opioid-related adverse effects, including constipation, decreased sexual desire and satisfaction, and misuse behaviors were not significantly different. Women were exceedingly diagnosed with depression (67.7% vs 49.3%, P = .012) and had a higher mean depressive symptom score in the past 1 month, especially among those age <40 years (23.3 vs 11.9, P = .009), as compared with men. In addition, women had a lower mean self-rated health score (37.9 vs 44.3, P = .047). The mean morphine equivalent dose was significantly lower in women (131.6 vs 198.2 mg/day, P = .008), which was not correlated with their depressive scores.Gender differences in the effectiveness and adverse effects of long-term opioids were not found among Taiwan registered outpatients with chronic noncancer pain. However, more female patients inclined to have a coexisting depression diagnosis, depressive symptoms, and a lower perceived health score, needing regular screening and closer monitoring.

Pharmacokinetics and Saturable Absorption of Gabapentin in Nursing Home Elderly Patients

Pharmacokinetic data of gabapentin (GBP) in community-dwelling elderly patients show a significant effect of advanced age on GBP pharmacokinetics due to altered renal function. However, there are no data in elderly nursing home (NH) patients to evaluate gabapentin absorption and elimination. Our objective was to characterize the pharmacokinetics of GBP in elderly nursing home patients maintained on GBP therapy. This was a prospective pharmacokinetic study in elderly nursing home patients (≥60 years) receiving GBP for the management of chronic pain or epilepsy from seven nursing homes. Pharmacokinetic parameters were estimated by nonlinear mixed-effects modeling. A one-compartment model described the data and clearance (CL) was associated with estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) (p < 0.0001). The GBP CL in elderly nursing home patients was 2.93 L/h. After adjusting for the effect of GFR, GBP CL was not affected by age, sex, body weight, or comorbidity scores. No significant effects of body size measures, age, and sex were detected on volume of distribution. Dose-dependent bioavailability of GBP was demonstrated, and the saturable absorption profile was described by a nonlinear hyperbolic function. Prediction-corrected visual predictive check (pc-VPC) suggests adequate fixed- and random-effects models that successfully simulated the mean trend and variability in gabapentin concentration-time profiles. In this analysis, the parameters of the hyperbolic nonlinearity appear to be similar between elderly and younger adults.

"I'm healthy, I don't have pain"- health screening participation and its association with chronic pain in a low socioeconomic status Singaporean population

Background

We sought to determine the association between chronic pain and participating in routine health screening in a low socioeconomic-status (SES) rental-flat community in Singapore. In Singapore, ≥ 85% own homes; public rental flats are reserved for those with low-income.

Methods

Chronic pain was defined as pain ≥ 3 months. From 2009−2014, residents aged 40−60 years in five public rental-flat enclaves were surveyed for chronic pain; participation in health screening was also measured. We compared them to residents staying in adjacent owner-occupied public housing. We also conducted a qualitative study to better understand the relationship between chronic pain and health screening participation amongst residents in these low-SES enclaves.

Results

In the rental-flat population, chronic pain was associated with higher participation in screening for diabetes (aOR = 2.11, CI = 1.36−3.27, P < 0.001), dyslipidemia (aOR = 2.06, CI = 1.25−3.39, P = 0.005), colorectal cancer (aOR = 2.28, CI = 1.18−4.40, P = 0.014), cervical cancer (aOR = 2.65, CI = 1.34−5.23, P = 0.005) and breast cancer (aOR = 3.52, CI = 1.94−6.41, P < 0.001); this association was not present in the owner-occupied population. Three main themes emerged from our qualitative analysis of the link between chronic pain and screening participation: pain as an association of “major illness”; screening as a search for answers to pain; and labelling pain as an end in itself.

Conclusions

Chronic pain was associated with higher cardiovascular and cancer screening participation in the low-SES population. In low-SES populations with limited access to pain management services, chronic pain issues may surface during routine health screening.

The Effect of a Self-management Program on the Quality-of-Life of Community-dwelling Older Adults with Chronic Musculoskeletal Knee Pain: A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate a 6-week self-management program on pain conducted in a mobile setting at the residences of older adult participants.

METHODS

In this single-blinded randomized controlled trial, 46 community-dwelling older adults with chronic knee pain were randomly assigned to the experimental (n = 19) and wait-list control groups (n = 27). The experimental group engaged in the 6-week program while the control group was only given some pamphlets on exercise and joint care. The pain level, physical functions, QOL, and self-efficacy of the participants in both groups were assessed at baseline, post-program, and at the 1-month follow-up session. Both baseline and post-program (or post-control-period assessment) data were analyzed.

RESULTS

The results showed that the participants in the experimental group had a higher level of self-efficacy, better performance in walking test, a higher level of quality-of-life, and less frequency of pain at the post-program follow-up as compared to the control group. The effect was maintained among the experimental group at post-4-week follow-up and further reduction in pain was detected.

CONCLUSIONS

The program appeared to be effective at improving the pain status, self-efficacy, functional performance, and quality-of-life of older adults. However, as the sample size was small, further study is suggested to investigate the effects of the program.

Moderating effect of communication difficulty on the relationship between depression and pain: a study on community-dwelling older adults in Hong Kong

OBJECTIVES

This study examined the relationship between depression and pain, and the moderating effect of communication difficulty on this relationship, among community-dwelling older adults in Hong Kong.

METHOD

We used logistic regression to analyze secondary data regarding 12,402 Chinese older adults applying for long-term care service in Hong Kong in 2012.

RESULTS

Approximately 30% of participants were depressed and 37% experienced communication difficulty. Depression was associated with increased pain. Communication difficulty was found to moderate the relationship between depression and pain. Pain scores increased more when individuals who experienced communication difficulty reported being depressed, compared to those who did not experience communication difficulty.

CONCLUSION

The moderating effect of communication difficulty may be explained by the interaction between depression and communication difficulty. Participants who were depressed and concurrently experienced communication difficulty may be more likely to catastrophize their pain and may tend to report or experience more pain. Health care professionals need to be aware of the different effects of communication difficulty on the pain experiences of older adults. Psychosocial intervention may be provided to minimize older adults' communication barriers to pain management.

Quality of Co-Prescribing NSAID and Gastroprotective Medications for Elders in The Netherlands and Its Association with the Electronic Medical Record

OBJECTIVE

To assess guideline adherence of co-prescribing NSAID and gastroprotective medications for elders in general practice over time, and investigate its potential association with the electronic medical record (EMR) system brand used.

METHODS

We included patients 65 years and older who received NSAIDs between 2005 and 2010. Prescription data were extracted from EMR systems of GP practices participating in the Dutch NIVEL Primary Care Database. We calculated the proportion of NSAID prescriptions with co-prescription of gastroprotective medication for each GP practice at intervals of three months. Association between proportion of gastroprotection, brand of electronic medical record (EMR), and type of GP practice were explored. Temporal trends in proportion of gastroprotection between electronic medical records systems were analyzed using a random effects linear regression model.

RESULTS

We included 91,521 patient visits with NSAID prescriptions from 77 general practices between 2005 and 2010. Overall proportion of NSAID prescriptions to the elderly with co-prescription of gastroprotective medication was 43%. Mean proportion of gastroprotection increased from 27% (CI 25-29%) in the first quarter of 2005 with a rate of 1.2% every 3 months to 55%(CI 52-58%) at the end of 2010. Brand of EMR and type of GP practice were independently associated with co-prescription of gastroprotection.

CONCLUSION

Although prescription of gastroprotective medications to elderly patients who receive NSAIDs increased in The Netherlands, they are not co-prescribed in about half of the indicated cases. Brand of EMR system is associated with differences in prescription of gastroprotective medication. Optimal design and utilization of EMRs is a potential area of intervention to improve quality of prescription.

Concluding statement - neuropharmacological basis and clinical rationale for control of transdermal buprenorphine as a step II analgesic

In this commentary on the medical use and regulation of transdermal buprenorphine we bring together our complimentary perspectives on the neuropharmacology of analgesics (Dr. Henningfield) and clinical medicine to address the needs of people with pain (Dr. Sun). Together, the neuropharmacology of buprenorphine, the clinical and abuse deterring benefits of the 7-day transdermal formulation, the low rates of harmful use and abuse detected in post-marketing surveillance studies, and the desirable clinical benefits in the elderly, in persons with compromised kidney function, and other populations support the regulation of buprenorphine comparable to tramadol-like analgesics. We support this approach and believe that it strikes the right balance of control to provide appropriate access to people with pain and their health providers, while still providing the basis for deterring harmful use and abuse.

Impact of traditional Chinese medicine on age trajectories of health: evidence from the Taiwan Longitudinal Study on Aging

Although traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) is widely used, its effect on health outcomes is not well understood. This study employed a cohort sequential design to investigate levels and rates of change in health from midlife to older adulthood in TCM users and nonusers. A sample of 1,302 community-dwelling adults aged 53 to 80 was selected from individuals interviewed in the 1999 Taiwan Longitudinal Study on Aging (TLSA) and reinterviewed in 2003 and 2007. TCM users were identified as participants who reported visiting a Chinese medicine clinic in the year before each of the three interviews. Health outcomes included physical function, self-rated health, cognitive function, and depressive symptoms. Approximately one in five adults reported that they used TCM in at least one wave of the 3 interview years, but less than one in twenty across all waves. Controlling for time-varying sociodemographic and health conditions, levels and rates of change in physical and cognitive function did not differ according to TCM use. Although adults who reported using TCM had higher depressive symptoms (βTCM = 0.979, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.200-1.758) and poorer self-rated health (βTCM = -0.267, 95% CI = -0.267 to -0.081) at baseline, their rates of change in these outcomes did not differ from those who did not use TCM. Subgroup analyses revealed that TCM use benefited adults with higher depressive symptoms by attenuating worsening depressive symptoms (βTCM ×Age = -0.221, 95% CI = -0.434 to -0.007). Further research aimed at understanding the specific mechanisms by which TCM affects health outcomes is warranted.

The understanding of pain by older adults who consider themselves to have aged successfully

OBJECTIVES

Despite an ageing population and an increased prevalence of chronic pain, the relationship between chronic pain and the concept of successful ageing is unclear. The aim of the present research was to explore older people's views on past and present experiences of pain, and its management, and how these experiences relate to their perceptions of successful ageing.

METHODS

Semi-structured interviews with six participants, aged 75 years or older, who considered themselves to have aged successfully, explored what this concept meant to them and their experiences of pain. Data analysis used methods drawn from grounded theory. The themes reported in this article are 'understanding of pain' and 'perceptions of ageing'.

RESULTS

None of the participants recalled painful experiences that were not attributable to physical trauma. They believed that pain is part of life and a natural consequence of the ageing process. While some accepted this with little resistance, others felt frustration at what they considered a dismissive attitude towards older people experiencing pain from healthcare practitioners. The concept of successful ageing was previously unfamiliar to participants, and their conceptualization of ageing derived from comparing themselves with their peers.

CONCLUSIONS

The findings of the present study suggest that predictable experiences of pain as one ages may contribute to an acceptance of pain as a biomedical certainty, a belief reinforced both by health professionals and society. However, one may have chronic pain and yet consider oneself to have aged successfully, and it should therefore be recognized that there is a distinction between having pain and having a problem with pain.

What do we mean by "older adults' persistent pain self-management"? A concept analysis

BACKGROUND

No standard definition exists for the concept "persistent pain self-management" or how it should be defined in relation to older adults. Poorly defined concepts can result in misunderstandings in the clinical setting and can hinder research through difficulties identifying or measuring the concept.

OBJECTIVE

To ascertain attributes, referents, antecedents, and consequences of the concept older adults' persistent pain self-management and develop a theoretical definition.

DESIGN

Rodgers evolutionary model of concept analysis was used to systematically analyze articles from the academic and grey literature (N = 45). Data were extracted using standardized extraction forms and analyzed using thematic analysis.

FINDINGS

This concept was discussed in three ways: as an intervention, in reference to everyday behaviors, and as an outcome. Five defining attributes were identified: multidimensional process, personal development, active individuals, symptom response, and symptom control. Patients' perceived need and ability to manage pain with support from others is necessary for pain self-management to occur. Numerous physical, psychological, and social health consequences were identified. A theoretical definition is discussed.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings have clarified existing use and understanding regarding the concept of older adults' persistent pain self-management. We have identified three areas for future development: refinement of the attributes of this concept within the context of older adults, an exploration of how providers can overcome difficulties supporting older adults' persistent pain self-management, and a clarification of the overall theoretical framework of older adults' persistent pain self-management.

Motivational interviewing and exercise programme for community-dwelling older persons with chronic pain: a randomised controlled study

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES

To examine the effectiveness of an integrated motivational interviewing and physical exercise programme on pain, physical and psychological function, quality of life, self-efficacy, and compliance with exercise for community-dwelling older persons with chronic pain.

BACKGROUND

Chronic pain is common among older persons. Indeed, motivation for managing pain is poor, and may cause negative consequences. Motivational interviewing maybe effective in treating chronic pain.

DESIGN

Single-blinded randomised control study.

METHODS

Older persons with chronic pain (n = 56) were recruited from two elderly community centres. They were blinded from the group allocation. The programme was conducted by an motivational interviewing-trained physiotherapist and registered nurses. Participants in the experimental group received an 8-week integrated motivational interviewing and physical exercise programme, while the control group received regular activities in the centre. Motivational interviewing used open-ended questions to encourage participants to express and recognise their pain and behaviours and professional feedback was given accordingly. Pain intensity, pain self-efficacy, anxiety, happiness, depression, mobility and quality of life were measured before and after the motivational interviewing and physical exercise programme. Attendance and compliance rate of the programme was calculated in the experimental group.

RESULTS

Significant improvements in pain intensity, pain self-efficacy, anxiety, happiness and mobility after the motivational interviewing and physical exercise programme (all p < 0.05) for experimental group, while no significant improvement in control group except on the happiness scale. Regarding group differences in the outcome measures, the change scores on pain intensity, state anxiety and depression were significantly better in the experimental group.

CONCLUSION

Motivational interviewing and physical exercise programme is effective in improving pain, physical mobility, psychological well-being and self-efficacy for community-dwelling older persons with chronic pain.

RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE

Motivational interviewing is a feasible counselling technique whose content can be modified based on target group to change maladaptive behaviours, elicit ambivalences and enhance self-efficacy for making changes. Thus, promoting motivational interviewing and physical exercise programme to older persons with pain is effective and important.

[Pain and primary lung cancer in the elderly]

The study of pain in elderly patients with a primary lung cancer (PLC) deserves special attention particularly because this symptom is frequently associated with the condition and influences the management and prognosis. To study the characteristics of pain due to PLC in the elderly, we prospectively evaluated pain in all patients aged over 65 years admitted for PLC. Thirty-nine elderly patients were enrolled in 15 months (62% of all PLC). The average age was 72 years. The cancer was advanced NSCLC in most cases. Pain was present in 74.3%. It was significantly less common among those over 75 years (50% versus 85.1%; P<0.05). The pain, mild in most cases, worsened during follow-up in 55.5%. The last mean visual analogue scale score was significantly lower than the first (1.3 versus 3.6; P=0.001). The pain treatment required was based on level I in 20.6%, level II in 48.2% and level III in 31% of cases. Pain management in the elderly should be early, adequate and continued in order to preserve to a maximum the quality of life of these patients with PLC.

Self-care management and risk factors for depressive symptoms among elderly outpatients in Taiwan

BACKGROUND

Early detection and appropriate treatment interventions for depressive symptoms in the elderly are important issues for healthcare systems. However, few studies to date have focused on understanding self-care strategies to manage depressive symptoms among elderly people worldwide. The purpose of this study was to explore self-care management strategies and risk factors for depressive symptoms among elderly outpatients in Taiwan.

METHODS

A convenience sample of elderly persons (≥65 years old; N = 1054) was recruited from outpatient clinics of two hospitals in northern Taiwan.

RESULTS

In our sample, the prevalence of depressive tendency was 16.3%. The majority of participants (70.1%) managed depressive symptoms with self-care strategies. The strategy most often used to relieve depressive symptoms was "take a walk." The main information source for self-care strategies was self-learning. Depressive tendency in this sample was shown by logistic regression analysis to be significantly predicted by gender, marital status, perceived income adequacy, perceived health condition, stroke, and cancer.

CONCLUSION

Elderly people need to be made more aware of strategies to self-manage depressive symptoms. Healthcare providers can decrease/prevent the first risk factor for depressive symptoms (poor perceived health status) by improving elders' perceived health and promoting their actual health. The second risk factor (poor perceived income adequacy) can be decreased/prevented by carefully assessing patients' financial situation during clinic visits and providing suitable referral for further assistance.