The landscape of pain management in people with dementia living in care homes: a mixed methods study

• Published in: International journal of geriatric psychiatry Vol. 31; no. 12; pp. 1354 - 1370
• Main Authors: Corbett, Anne, Nunez, Kayleigh-Marie, Smeaton, Emily, Testad, Ingelin, Thomas, Alan J, Closs, S. Jose, Briggs, Michelle, Clifton, Lei, Gjestsen, Martha Therese, Lawrence, Vanessa
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: England Blackwell Publishing Ltd 01.12.2016; Wiley Subscription Services, Inc
• Subjects: Aged; Aged, 80 and over; care homes; care staff; Caregivers; Clinical Competence - standards; Communication; Dementia; Dementia - therapy; Female; Focus Groups; Geriatric psychiatry; Geriatric psychology; Health Personnel - education; Humans; Inservice Training - standards; Male; management; Nursing homes; Nursing Homes - standards; pain; Pain - prevention & control; Pain management; Pain Management - standards; Patient-Centered Care - standards; Practice Guidelines as Topic; Qualitative Research; United Kingdom; dementia; pain; management; care homes; care staff
• ISSN: 0885-6230; 1099-1166
• DOI: 10.1002/gps.4445

Objectives The aim of this study is to explore the current landscape of pain management in people with dementia living in care home settings. Pain is extremely common in this patient group, yet there is very limited guidance for healthcare professionals. Methods Triangulation of stakeholder consultation and quality review of pain management guidance were performed. A review of existing pain management guidance was conducted using published quality criteria adapted for the field. Three focus group discussions were held with care home staff and two focus group discussions and an online survey with family carers. Data were subjected to thematic analysis to identify themes and sub‐themes. Outcomes were reviewed by an expert panel, which gave recommendations. Results Fifteen existing guidelines were identified, of which three were designed for use in dementia and none were tailored for care home settings. Thematic analysis revealed six major themes in current pain management in dementia: importance of person‐centredness, current lack of pain awareness in staff, communication as a core element, disparities in staff responsibility and confidence, the need for consistency of care and current lack of staff training. In addition to the needs for practice, the expert panel identified promising pharmacological treatment candidates, which warrant clinical evaluation. Conclusions The findings of this study clearly articulate a need for an evidence‐based pain management programme for care homes, which is informed by stakeholder input and based within a conceptual framework for this setting. There are novel opportunities for clinical trials of alternative analgesics for use in this patient group. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.