Chronic Pain Management during the Covid-19 Pandemic: A Scoping Review

Abstract

Background and objective The COVID-19 pandemic led to modify patient healthcare, with a high impact on patients with chronic pain. This comprehensive scoping review aims to map recommendations on the management of chronic pain patients during the COVID-19 pandemic and propose a workflow in the management of these patients. Methods The databases searched were PubMed, Embase, CINAHL, Scopus, Cochrane Library e LILACS. The studies were examined by two independent reviewers. The disagreements between reviewers were resolved through discussion or with a third reviewer. Results We presented the results in the form of a table, a workflow, and a narrative summary. The search resulted in 13 studies selected for full reading, including 1 consensus, 5 guidances, 2 expert panels, 1 joint statement, 2 educational flyers, and 2 free comments. We considered for these studies new technologies, including telemedicine. Each pain service needs to establish a screening model, classifying patients according to corresponding severity. Particular attention should be given to patients who use opioids and are at risk for their misuse. Non-pharmacological approaches and pain education should be maintained, considering the use of telehealth. Conclusions Recommendations for the management of chronic pain during COVID-19 include adjustments to the patient care model. The workflow proposes the use of telemedicine, screening for painful intensity, and the use of color-signaled intervention packages according to severity (green, yellow, and red).

Pain Management Nurses’ Roles During the COVID-19 Pandemic

“…The mission of ASPMN is to "advance and promote optimal nursing care for people affected by pain by promoting best nursing practices" (ASPMN, 2021). Since the inception of PMN, how and where PMNs practice has been central to understanding their unique position within the discipline and practice of nursing, developing scope and standards of practice, and informing clinical practice guidelines (ANA, 2018;de Moraes et al, 2021;Registered Nurses Association of Ontario, 2013;The Joint Commission, 2017).…”

Long COVID and oral health care considerations

“…40 The limitations to care during the COVID-19 pandemic have complicated the provision of care to all populations with chronic pain and will negatively affect the ability to access care for patients with long COVID with these findings. 41,42 Other systems affected by long COVID may include the kidneys, liver, and gastrointestinal tract. 23 Patients with acute kidney injury during their course of COVID-19 may have prolonged renal impairment after recovery.…”

When It Hurts, a Positive Attitude May Help. The Moderating Effect of Positive Affect on the Relationship Between Walking, Depression, and Symptoms in Women with Fibromyalgia

“…Additionally, treatment interruptions for patients with chronic pain due to the COVID-19 pandemic have included adjustments to the patient care model, and emergent technologies such as telemedicine have included PA as an important resilience variable ( Micó Segura, 2020 ) that has generated promising results ( de Moraes et al, 2021 ;APA, 2020aAPA, , 2020b. These results open up other possibilities to increase positive affect in nursing interventions and could provide low-cost internet-based treatment with or without guidance of a therapist though PA interventions Hausmann et al, 2014 ;Muller et al, 2016 ).…”