Clinical medicine (London, England)
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Older adults may experience a number of physiological changes that influence how acute pain is perceived, diagnosed and managed by healthcare professionals. Understanding these differences enables the identification, assessment and treatment of acute pain in older adults. Combining careful selection of pain medications with appropriate titration and monitoring allows the analgesic needs of this group to be met.
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Management of pain in older people should follow the biopsychosocial model, addressing the heterogeneity in their physiological changes, psychological and cognitive aspects, and impact on their social interactions. When deciding on pharmacological treatment, special attention should be given to the side effect profile, drug-drug and drug-disease interactions, as well as route and timing of medication administration. The principle of 'start low, go slow' should be followed, and regular reviews of drug effectiveness and tolerability are required. With the adjunct of non-pharmacological interventions, the treatment plan should be tailored to individual needs, with the aim to ameliorate the burden of pain while preserving quality of life.