Pain in Older Patients

Abstract

Chapter 19 discusses the complexities of pain assessment and treatment in older adults and provides best practice recommendations for comprehensive pain management. Pain in older patients is a common, yet significant quality-of-life issue necessitating accurate assessment and safe multimodal treatment. The assessment and treatment of older adults in pain pose distinct challenges and unique opportunities to provide proactive and patient-centered care for a high-risk population with complex health needs. Thus, it is important that providers are prepared to identify these challenges and implement an effective and safe pain management plan.