The Diagnostic Standard and Treatment of Pain in Senior Citizens

Overview

The objective of the submitted study was to assess the prevalence of chronic pain in geriatric citizens and its diagnosis and treatment by general practitioners. After consent of the ethical commission and participants of the study, participated in the survey 236 of 268 inmates of a selected old age pensioners home. The method used was recording of basic data, diagnosis and droga from the health records, followed by a guided interview to assess the intensity of pain on a visual analogue stale VAS 0-100, the incidence of depression and views of the participants on the possibility to improve their treatment. 66% of the respondenta reported pain, 40% intensive pain (VAS above 40). The most frequent cause was arthritis, back pain and crural ulcers. The doctor did not diagnose pain in 53% of the patienta who suffered from pain, 62% of tkat number suffered from intensive pain. In patients with intensive pain only 22% anticipated possible improvement, 29% did not believe in improvement and 40% refused treatment. The results are consistent with those reported abroad. Possible causes are lack of an active attitude to screening and treatment of patients suffering from pain, lacking feedback control of therapeutic results.

Key words:
pain - geriatrics - diagnosis - treatment.