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The assessment of pain in older people

B Collett, S O'Mahoney, P Schofield, SJ Closs and J Potter
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.7861/clinmedicine.7-5-496
Clin Med October 2007
B Collett
University Hospitals of Leicester
Roles: Consultant in Pain Management and Anaesthesia
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S O'Mahoney
Llandough NHS Trust, Penarth, South Glamorgan
Roles: Senior Lecturer and Consultant Physician
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P Schofield
University of Aberdeen
Roles: Senior Lecturer
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SJ Closs
University of Leeds
Roles: Chair of Nursing Research
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J Potter
Royal College of Physicians
Roles: 500 Effectiveness and Evaluation Unit
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Abstract

Pain is under-recognised and undertreated in older people. It is a subjective, personal experience, only known to the person who suffers. The assessment of pain is particularly challenging in the presence of severe cognitive impairment, communication difficulties or language and cultural barriers. These guidelines set out the key components of assessing pain in older people, together with a variety of practical scales that may be used with different groups, including those with varying levels of cognitive or communication impairment. The purpose is to provide professionals with a set of practical skills to assess pain as the first step towards its effective management. The guidance has implications for all healthcare and social care staff and can be applied in all settings, including the older person's own home, in care homes, and in hospital.

Key Words
  • assessment
  • cognitive impairment
  • older people
  • pain
  • pain scales
  • © 2007 Royal College of Physicians
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The assessment of pain in older people
B Collett, S O'Mahoney, P Schofield, SJ Closs, J Potter
Clinical Medicine Oct 2007, 7 (5) 496-500; DOI: 10.7861/clinmedicine.7-5-496

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The assessment of pain in older people
B Collett, S O'Mahoney, P Schofield, SJ Closs, J Potter
Clinical Medicine Oct 2007, 7 (5) 496-500; DOI: 10.7861/clinmedicine.7-5-496
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