title: Does Persistent Pain Following a Motor Vehicle Crash Impact Functional Status in Older Adults?
abstract: Review of recent evidence with translation to practice for the advanced practice nurse (APN) role is presented using a case study module for "Persistent Pain Among Older Adults Discharged Home From the Emergency Department After Motor Vehicle Crash: A Prospective Cohort Study." This longitudinal inquiry enrolled 161 patients 65 years or older seeking care in an emergency department (ED) following a motor vehicle crash. Interviews were conducted at the initial ED visit and at 6 weeks, 6 months, and 1 year. Variables of interest were persistent pain, depressive symptoms, and interference with activities of daily living, with an end goal of impact on functionality. Study subjects with persistent pain at 6 months reported an overall decrease in their health status, and 23% needed additional assistance with their activities of daily living, resulting in a change in living arrangements compared with 8% of the subjects without persistent pain. Repeat ED visits in the 6 months following the crash were more likely to occur in those with persistent pain (30% vs. 15%). This study highlights the important role of the APN in providing quality care, communication about pain management, and related follow-up care.
authors: Emergency Services, University of Kentucky HealthCare, Lexington (Mr Proud and Dr Howard); and University of Kentucky College of Nursing, Lexington (Mr Proud).
authors: Matthew E
authors: ME
authors: Proud
authors: Patricia Kunz
authors: PK
authors: Howard
mesh_terms: D000063:Accidents, Traffic; D000203:Activities of Daily Living; D000368:Aged; D059350:Chronic Pain / Q000209:etiology / Q000451:nursing* / Q000503:physiopathology*; D003863:Depression / Q000209:etiology / Q000451:nursing; D004636:Emergency Service, Hospital; D005260:Female; D006305:Health Status Indicators; D006801:Humans; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D008297:Male; D024802:Nurse's Role; D059408:Pain Management / Q000451:nursing*; D010147:Pain Measurement; D011446:Prospective Studies