Abstract

SAEZ LOPEZ, M.P. et al. Assessment of pain in the elderly. Rev. Soc. Esp. Dolor [online]. 2015, vol.22, n.6, pp.271-274. ISSN 1134-8046.  https://dx.doi.org/10.4321/S1134-80462015000600008.

Pain is suffered by 50-80% of the population older than 65. Epidemiological data suggests increasing prevalence of chronic pain and frailty with advancing age. Elderly patients are more likely to have multiple chronic health pathologies, declining function and frailty. The barriers present for patients, providers and health systems also negatively impact effective pain control. Pain assessment and determination of its mechanism is the key to optimal pain control. Pain can be rated using a medical history, physical examination, diagnostic test and some scales. Choices of pain measurement tools are dependent upon the patient's cognitive, visual, auditory and communicative status.

Keywords : Pain; Elderly; Assessment.

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