The community dwelling elder's perception of chronic pain management strategies

Abstract

One in five older Americans, aged 65 years and older report chronic pain for more than 6 months (Cooner & Amorosi, 1997). Researchers have neglected to explore how the community-dwelling elders effectively manage pain, and what elders think and believe is effective for pain management. The purpose of this study is to determine the elder's perspective on chronic pain management strategies. Based on the perspective of Orem's Self-Care Model, a qualitative study using a focus group method was conducted. The participants described various pain management strategies that were effective for pain relief, and their attitudes and beliefs about the various strategies. The strategies used included: 1) Prescribed interventions, 2) Over the counter pharmacological intervention, 3) Cutaneous stimulation, 4) Exercise/Movement, and 5) Other. The elders were actively involved in their own pain management. They were willing to take the advice of healthcare providers, but were selective on which advice they followed.