Authors

A. H. Burfield; T. T. H. Wan; M. L. Sole;J. W. Cooper

Comments

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Abbreviated Journal Title

Clin. Interv. Aging

Keywords

cognitive impairment; minimum data set; pain behaviors; structural; equation modeling; theoretical model; NURSING-HOME RESIDENTS; MINIMUM DATA SET; DEMENTIA-COMPROMISED BEHAVIOR; PSYCHOMETRIC CHARACTERISTICS; ALZHEIMER PATIENTS; OLDER-ADULTS; NEED-DRIVEN; SELF-REPORT; MANAGEMENT; VALIDITY; Geriatrics & Gerontology

Abstract

Background: The purpose of this study was to determine the relationship between hypothesized pain behaviors in the elderly and a measurement model of pain derived from the Minimum Data Set-Resident Assessment Instrument (MDS-RAI) 2.0 items. Methods: This work included a longitudinal cohort recruited from Medicare-certified long-term care facilities across the United States. MDS data were collected from 52,996 residents (mean age 83.7 years). Structural equation modeling was used to build a measurement model of pain to test correlations between indicators and the fit of the model by cognitive status. The model evaluates the theoretical constructs of pain to improve how pain is assessed and detected within cognitive levels. Results: Using pain frequency and intensity as the only indicators of pain, the overall prevalence of pain was 31.2%; however, analysis by cognitive status showed that 47.7% of the intact group was in pain, while only 18.2% of the severely, 29.4% of the moderately, and 39.6% of the mildly cognitively impaired groups were experiencing pain. This finding supports previous research indicating that pain is potentially under-reported in severely cognitively impaired elderly nursing home residents. With adjustments to the measurement model, a revised format containing affective, behavioral, and inferred pain indicates a better fit of the data to include these domains, as a more complete measure of the pain construct. Conclusion: Pain has a significant effect on quality of life and long-term health outcomes in nursing home residents. Patients most at risk are those with mild to severe cognitive decline, or those unable to report pain verbally. Nursing homes are under great scrutiny to maintain standards of care and provide uniform high-quality care outcomes. Existing data from federally required resident surveys can serve as a valuable tool to identify indicators of pain and trends in care. Great responsibility lies in ensuring pain is included and monitored as a quality measure in long-term care, especially for residents unable to communicate their pain verbally.

Journal Title

Clinical Interventions in Aging

Volume

7

Publication Date

1-1-2012

Document Type

Article

Language

English

First Page

207

Last Page

223

WOS Identifier

WOS:000305910400001

ISSN

1176-9092

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