Pain assessment for older adults.

WHY: Studies on pain in older adults (persons 65 years of age and older) have demonstrated that pain is a common problem. In one study, 50% of adults 65 years of age and older said they experienced pain in the previous 30 days (U.S. Dept. of Health and Human Services, 2006). Up to 80% of nursing residents experience pain regularly. Yet, the undertreatment of pain is pervasive (Zanocchi et al., 2008). Reasons for this include the belief that pain is a normal part of aging, misconceptions about addiction to pain medications, and a lack of routine pain assessment. Persistent pain has been associated with functional impairment, falls, slow rehabilitation, depression, anxiety, decreased socialization, sleep disturbance, as well as increased healthcare utilization and costs. In an effort to improve the detection and management of pain, the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations has mandated pain screening noting pain “the fifth vital sign.” A proactive, consistent approach must be taken to screen for pain and assess older adults for persistent pain.