Management of Persistent Pain in Older Adults

Persistent pain—painful sensation that continues for a prolonged period of time and may or may not be associated with a well defined disease process—is prevalent in older adults.  The American Geriatrics Society is pleased to provide tools to assist clinicians in providing optimal care to older adults who suffer from pain, as well as resources for patients and caregivers on pain management and treatment. 

AGS Clinical Practice Guideline:
Pharmacological Management of Persistent Pain in Older Persons (2009) 

• Executive Summary
• The Pharmacological Management of Persistent Pain in Older Persons (2009) Guideline

Acknowledgements

• Panel Members
• Disclosures

Clinical Tools

• Pocketcard 

AGS Position Statement and Testimony

• Response to Milwaukee Journal Sentinel Story (5/30/12) About Narcotic Pain Relief for Older Adults
• The Use of Opioids in the Treatment of Persistent Pain in Older Adults (April 2012)
• AGS Testified before Senate Aging on the Issue of Pain Management in Nursing Homes (March 24, 2010)  

Public Education Resources

• Tip Sheet
• Public Education Resources

Related Resources

• Readers are referred to the 2002 AGS Pain Guidelines for specific recommendations for pain assessment  in older persons. These assessment recommendations remain relevant.