Need for New Pain Guidelines

The American Geriatrics Society's Panel on Persistent Pain in Older Persons in new guidelines called on clinicians to evaluate and treat pain symptoms in older patients, without regard to age or condition. The Management of Persistent Pain in Older Persons guidelines state that simplifying a patient's regimen is an important part of prescribing for pain management. The guidelines also suggest use of the term persistent rather than chronic pain, because chronic connotes negative images associated with malingering, futility in treatment or drug-seeking behavior. The panel notes that economic barriers, including lack of Medicare reimbursement for outpatient oral medications, limited formularies and delays related to managed care pharmacy programs, could contribute to a patient's inability to get the drugs needed to relieve pain. The panel recommends beginning drug use at lower dosages, then adjusting as dictated by the patient's response. For more, visit http://www.americangeriatrics.org.