Name: Fatimah Fadhel Jawad Alali
Name: Narjes Jawoed Alsmail
Name: Sukinah Mohammed Almusharraf
Name: MARYAM IBRAHIM AL-ZUWAID
Name: Omneyh Saad Abdullah Althawadi
Name: Zahra Saleh Abdulkreem Alkhodair
Name: Fatimah Saud Tahifah
Name: Sajedah Essa Mobarrak Albarrak
Name: Nisrin Yassen Eid Almajhad
Name: Fatimah Ali Alalawi
Name: HASSAN AHMED ALI AL JUBRAN
Name: Kumail ali alhaidan
Exploring the Role of Nurses in Managing Chronic Pain in Older Adults
Abstract
Effective pain management in older adults presents significant challenges for healthcare providers, particularly nurses who play a critical role in assessing and managing chronic pain. This paper explores the multifaceted barriers to optimal pain management in this vulnerable population, categorizing these challenges into systemic barriers, knowledge gaps, and communication difficulties. Systemic barriers include inadequate staffing and resources, which limit the time available for individualized pain assessments, and rigid institutional policies that restrict opioid prescribing practices amid concerns regarding misuse. Knowledge gaps are highlighted by insufficient training in pain management within nursing education programs, leading to a lack of preparedness among new graduates, along with the variability in pain perception influenced by cultural beliefs and individual experiences. Communication challenges arise from cognitive impairments that complicate pain assessment and the need for cultural sensitivity in understanding patients’ pain expressions. The interplay of these factors contributes to the risk of under-treatment of pain in older adults, negatively impacting their quality of life. Addressing these challenges is essential for improving pain management practices, which requires a multifaceted approach involving enhanced education, advocacy for adequate resources, and fostering cultural competence among nursing professionals. By overcoming these obstacles, nurses can provide more effective care and support for older adults experiencing chronic pain, ultimately leading to better health outcomes in this demographic.
Keywords: Pain Management – Older Adults – Chronic Pain – Cultural Competence – Cognitive Impairment – Opioid Prescribing
Download research pdf:
