A retrospective review of pain management in Tasmanian residential aged care facilities

BJGP Open

Tania Winzenberg¹  Elizabeth Cummings²  Mackenzie Williams³  Luke Bereznicki³  Felicity Veal³ 

[1] Menzies Institute for Medical Research, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Australia;Nursing and Midwifery, School of Health Sciences, Hobart, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Australia;Unit for Medication Outcomes Research & Education (UMORE), Pharmacy, School of Medicine, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Australia;

关键词: Pain;    Prescribing;    Care of the elderly;    Patient groups;    general practice;    primary healthcare;   

DOI  :  10.3399/bjgpopen18X101629

来源: DOAJ

【 摘 要 】

Background: The management of pain by GPs for residents of aged care facilities (ACFs) is very common. Aim: To measure the prevalence and assess the management of pain in ACF residents, particularly those with dementia. Design & setting: A retrospective review of ACF residents’ medical records was undertaken at five southern Tasmanian (Australia) ACFs. Method: Data extracted included results of the most recent assessment of pain and its management, frequency and treatment of pain incidents in the previous 7 days, demographics, and medical and medication history. Univariate analysis was used to identify variables associated with increased frequency of pain episodes. Results: The final analysis included 477 residents. At least one episode of pain in the preceding 7 days was documented in 25.6% (n = 122) of residents' notes. Pain episodes were most commonly managed by analgesics (45.5%), massage (40.7%), and heatpacks (13.8%). Residents with dementia were not less likely to have pain identified during the past week (14% versus 20%; P = 0.09), but they were much less likely to have pain identified on their most recent pain assessment (P = 0.03). Conclusion: GPs should carefully consider the suitability of using ‘as required’ analgesics. Furthermore, on admission to an ACF, GPs need to ensure a patient’s medical history includes all pain or potentially pain-causing conditions, to ensure that a resident’s pain assessment is complete. This is especially necessary for those with dementia, to ensure that staff remain vigilant about the possibility of the resident experiencing pain.

【 授权许可】

Unknown