[Treatment of elderly with chronic pain in geriatric care and pain therapy facilities in Germany. Survey results].
BACKGROUND
Even though there are no satisfactory data available on the prevalence of chronic pain in the elderly, it is certainly a common problem in Germany. The goal of this study is to provide information on the treatment of elderly patients with chronic pain in geriatric care and pain therapy facilities in Germany.


METHODS
Throughout Germany geriatric and pain clinics were asked by email about their treatment practice of patients with chronic pain. The questions related to four types of patients sharing the same chronic pain characteristics and comorbidities but differing with respect to cognitive and physical impairment. The questions were divided into the following areas: equipment, staff, patient care, documentation, and cooperation.


RESULTS
Replies from a total of 85 institutions were evaluated. The response rates were approximately 5 % for geriatric units and 10 % for pain units. More patients with chronic pain are treated in geriatrics units than in pain therapy facilities due to larger capacities. Although all four types of patients are treated in both types of facilities, the functionally more competent patients are more common in pain therapy facilities. In geriatrics, the inverse relationship was found. Differences exist in the staff structure and qualification, frequency and refinement of individual and group therapies, assessments used, teamwork, documentation, and cooperation with outpatient care.


CONCLUSIONS
Due to the differences between geriatric and pain management departments shown in all investigated areas, an exchange between these two cross-sectional subjects could help to improve inpatient, outpatient and intersectoral treatment of elderly patients with chronic pain.
Klinik für Geriatrie und Palliativmedizin, Diakonissenkrankenhaus, Speyerer Str. 91-93, 68163, Mannheim, Deutschland, matthias.schuler@diakonissen.de.
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M
Schuler
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Becker
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Lindena
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Mattenklodt
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000553:Ambulatory Care; D059350:Chronic Pain / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000628:therapy*; D015897:Comorbidity; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D004185:Disability Evaluation; D005853:Geriatrics; D005858:Germany; D006302:Health Services Research; D006748:Hospital Departments; D006760:Hospitalization; D006801:Humans; D000070516:Intersectoral Collaboration; D018710:Pain Clinics; D059408:Pain Management / Q000379:methods*