Topical Concurrent Session 1A – Pain in aged care settings

Description

Pain in aged care settings

Chair: Professor Benny Katz, St Vincent’s Hospital, VIC
The number of people living in residential aged care facilities within Australia is projected to increase by more than 250% by the middle of this century. Epidemiologic studies indicate that more than half of this rapidly growing population will suffer from persistent or bothersome pain. Under-treated or unrelieved pain can have major impacts on function, mood, sleep, health, cognitive function and overall quality of life. The current topical session will examine some of the unique features of pain in an aged care setting. Prof Katz will examine the prevalence of pain, the impacts of pain and tailored considerations around the assessment and management of pain in this special population. Dr Andrews will discuss some of the findings from the Hammond Care “Intervene” study examining pain in residents with dementia. Dr Veal will discuss the apparent under-treatment of pain in residential aged care facilities and the results from her recent study on analgesic use in residential aged care facilities. Interactive audience participation and discussion will be encouraged.

Presenters:
Professor Benny Katz, St Vincent’s Hospital, VIC
Dr Sharon Andrews, Hammondcare, NSW
Dr Felicity Veal, University of Tasmania, TAS