Pain: Definitely Not Like a Fine Wine for Geriatric Patients

In this presentation, Dr. Skoch will address critical practice gaps and enhance the understanding and care of older adults experiencing pain. The presenter will discuss key areas, including the unique physiology of pain in aging, identification of common pain conditions, specialized assessment tools for geriatric patients, pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions, and overcoming barriers to effective pain management in geriatric patients. 

Objectives:

1) Learners will develop a better understanding of the unique challenges of pain management in the geriatric population, including physiological changes, comorbidities, and polypharmacy.

2) Learners will identify and assess common geriatric pain conditions like osteoarthritis, degenerative disc disease, neuropathic pain, etc.

3) Learners will analyze and apply evidence-based guidelines and best practices for assessing pain in older adults, including the use of validated pain assessment tools.

4) Learners will evaluate and employ non-pharmacological interventions for pain management in the geriatric population, such as physical therapy, occupational therapy, and cognitive-behavioral therapy. 

5) Learners will review the appropriate use of pharmacological interventions for pain management in older adults, taking into consideration polypharmacy, renal function, potential drug interactions, and age-related changes in pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics.

6) Learners will address common misconceptions and concerns related to opioid use in the geriatric population while emphasizing the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration, patient education, shared decision-making, and individualized treatment plans with regular reassessment.

7) Learners will gain a better understanding of the role of communication and empathy in pain management, including effective patient-provider communication, active listening, and addressing psychosocial aspects of pain.

Accreditation Statements:

The Missouri Association of Osteopathic Physicians and Surgeons (MAOPS) is accredited by the American Osteopathic Association to provide osteopathic continuing medical education for physicians.

MAOPS designates this program for a maximum of 1 AOA Category 1-A CME credit(s) and will report CME and specialty credits commensurate with the extent of the physician’s participation.

The Missouri Association of Osteopathic Physicians and Surgeons (MAOPS) is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) to provide continuing medical education for physicians.

MAOPS designates this enduring activity for a maximum of 1 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit(s)ä.  Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

Planning Disclosure:  The Missouri Association of Osteopathic Physicians and Surgeons Education Planning Committee has no relevant financial relationships with any organization producing, marketing, reselling, or distributing healthcare goods or services consumed by, or used on, patients relative to the content of this presentation.

Grievance Policy:  All grievances should be in writing and should specify the nature of the grievance.  Initially, all grievances should be directed to the MAOPS Executive Director, who will then forward said grievance to the Education & Convention Committee.  All grievances will receive an initial response in writing within 30 days of receipt.  If the participant does not receive a satisfactory response, then they can submit a complaint in writing to the Bureau of Osteopathic Education of the AOA at 142 East Ontario Street, Chicago, IL 60611.