Handbook of Pain Relief in Older Adults: An Evidence-Based Approach

AORN Journal,  Sept, 2005  by Mary G. Mathis

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Handbook of Pain Relief in Order Adults: An Evidence-Based Approach F. Michael Gloth, III, ed 2003, 264 pp $99.50 hardcover

Twenty-five percent to 50% of older adults have pain that interferes with their daily activities. Practitioners may not recognize and properly treat older adults' pain and may not refer pain issues to specialists when they cannot effectively manage older adults' pain.

This evidence-based handbook provides contributions from clinical and research experts on pain. It is intended to be used by physicians, health care providers, patients, and lay caregivers. Topics covered include proper assessment of individual pain, etiology of pain, treatment options, intervention strategies, and prevention. The section on intervention strategies for pain management is a good resource for perioperative nurses to review and use for patient education. The topics covered in this section include pathophysiology, nerve blocks, nerve destruction, electrical stimulation, epidural steroids, intrathecal therapy, programmable pumps, vertebroplasty, and kyphoplasty.

Difficulties of managing pain in long-term care also are addressed. The book notes that 43% of adults ages 65 and older will enter a nursing home for a short- or long-term period. Barriers to proper pain management include staff shortages, high turnover, communication difficulties between staff members and patients, and state and federal regulations.

Other topics discussed are spirituality as an adjunct to pain management, public policy issues, education of the public, and suggestions for change. An appendix on analgesics for older adults is a valuable reference for nurses. The handbook lists web sites for pain advocacy, pain specialists, and direct pain management guidance. This section is beneficial for patients, lay caregivers, and practitioners. An electronic book version that can be viewed via computer also is included with the handbook.

Reading this book gave me an increased awareness of the importance of assessment, communication, and documentation of pain. Additionally, it is an excellent resource for patients, parents, and with the advancing age of the average nurse, ourselves. The book is interesting, applicable to nursing, and a good resource for pain management and assessment tools.

This book is available from Humana Press, Inc, 999 Riverview Dr, Suite 208, Totowa, NJ 07512.

MARY G. MATHIS

RN, MN, CNOR

RN II

UNIVERSITY OF WASHINGTON

MEDICAL CENTER

SEATTLE

COPYRIGHT 2005 Association of Operating Room Nurses, Inc.
COPYRIGHT 2005 Gale Group