Rheumatic diseases in the elderly: dealing with rheumatic pain in extended care facilities.
Rheumatic diseases representing over 100 conditions are common in elderly people, are increasing in frequency, and are undertreated. Extended care facilities have special needs and restrictions, making pain management more complicated. Understanding how to assess pain in a population at risk for poor pain control is vital. Treatment individualized to the patient's special circumstances where optimal care rarely means cure or complete relief of symptoms leads to improved function and quality of life.
McCarberg
Bill H
BH
Chronic Pain Management Program, Kaiser Permanente, 732 North Broadway, Escondido, CA 92025, USA. bill.h.mccarberg@kp.org
D000082:Acetaminophen / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000368:Aged; D000465:Algorithms; D018712:Analgesics, Non-Narcotic / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal / Q000008:administration & dosage; D015577:Geriatric Assessment; D006801:Humans; D010146:Pain / Q000188:drug therapy; D010147:Pain Measurement; D012216:Rheumatic Diseases / Q000188:drug therapy*; D012866:Skilled Nursing Facilities
D018712:Analgesics, Non-Narcotic; D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal; D000082:Acetaminophen