How Do Older Adults Manage Osteoarthritis Pain? The Need for a Person-Centered Disease Model

Abstract

In the United States, chronic pain affects at least 116 million Americans, differentially impacting older adults. One of the leading causes of pain for older adults is osteoarthritis. This disease affects approximately 14% of the United States population and can cause disability and mobility problems, in addition to having a high cost for the healthcare system. The methods individuals use to manage their pain are contingent upon their model of the disease (e.g., their beliefs about osteoarthritis pain management). The purpose of the present investigation was to: 1) understand what variables older adults with osteoarthritis believe impact pain, and 2) understand current approaches for selfmanagement of osteoarthritis pain. We conducted structured interviews with eight older adults who have osteoarthritis. The interviews revealed current approaches in pain management, as well as gaps in knowledge. We propose an expansion of the idea of a general disease model for pain management that is patient-centered, allowing for personal customization of factors for reducing pain and increasing successful pain-management.

Efficacy of a System for Tracking and Managing Osteoarthritis Pain for Both Healthcare Providers and Older Adults

“…To date, our work has focused on investigating factors and knowledge critical to successful osteoarthritis pain management, usability of current tools for managing osteoarthritis pain, and user needs (Barg-Walkow et al, 2013;McBride et al, 2011). These findings were integrated into the design of a prototype system for tracking and managing pain, which was iteratively refined through a heuristic analysis and a usability evaluation.…”

“…To manage their osteoarthritis pain effectively, older adults must have an understanding of how their pain is affected by other factors (e.g., mood, exercise), which may vary across individuals. Previous research has identified the need for pain management approaches to be individualized (Barg-Walkow, McBride, Morgan, Mitzner, Knott, & Rogers, 2013). Also, because these factors may have subtle or delayed effects, and because understanding how numerous factors interact with one another may place demands on cognition, a technology that assists individuals in managing their pain may provide a great benefit.…”

“…We identified the need for a tool to support the complex process of pain management for individuals with osteoarthritis through capturing, integrating, and displaying information about pain and mediating factors critical for pain management (Barg-Walkow et al, 2013). This technology could address the shift in healthcare towards a collaborative care model of medicine, which provides patients with tools for selfmanagement (Bodenheimer et al, 2002).…”

“…The goal for this research project was to develop an osteoarthritis pain management system that can: (a) support individuals' management of pain, (b) guide the treatment recommendations given by healthcare providers, and (c) serve as a facilitator for communication between patients and healthcare providers. To date, our work has focused on investigating factors and knowledge critical to successful osteoarthritis pain management, usability of current tools for managing osteoarthritis pain, and user needs (Barg-Walkow et al, 2013;McBride et al, 2011). These findings were integrated into the design of a prototype system for tracking and managing pain, which was iteratively refined through a heuristic analysis and a usability evaluation.…”