Der Schmerz
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The diagnostics of pain in older people with cognitive impairments should always consist of a subjective self-report of pain and a structured observation of pain behavior. It is important to note that the subjective self-report of pain becomes less valid with increasing cognitive decline (starting with a moderate degree of dementia). ⋯ Moreover, the patient should be observed for at least 3 min. Online forms of training have recently been developed and are freely available for training in external observation.
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Self-reporting is the gold standard in pain assessment. However, this is not possible among adults who are unable to respond. Thus, the method of choice is to observe behavior in order to assess pain. Nurses rarely conduct pain observations because they do not feel educated enough to use such tools in vulnerable groups. The aim of the study is to analyze the pain situation among older adults (≥65 years) in need of care who are cognitively or physically unable to respond in the outpatient care setting. ⋯ Our findings indicate a deficit in regularly conducted pain assessment among older adults who are unable to respond and are in need of care in the outpatient care setting. An observation tool in that setting is urgently needed and would be a first step in optimizing pain assessment. We recommend conducting observations during regular nursing mobilization.