Initiatives Targeting Patients

Abstract

Objectives: Older adults frequently suffer from pain but are often unaware of self-management and other strategies that can help improve their condition. In a related article, we reported on pain assessment and management knowledge translation initiatives related to older adults that were targeting health professionals. In this paper, we report on initiatives targeting older adults. Methods: Using systematic review methodology, the Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL), MEDLINE, PsycInfo, and Web of Science databases were searched from inception to June 2023. Pain-related KT programs targeted towards older adults, their informal caregivers and health care professionals were examined. Results: From an initial 21,669 search results, 172 studies met our inclusion criteria. Of these studies, 49 targeted older adults. These studies varied widely in focus and delivery format, but the majority were associated with significant risk of bias. Older adults with musculoskeletal pain were the primary recipients of education. Most programs were classified as knowledge mobilization initiatives. The remainder were considered self-management programs. Knowledge users were satisfied with the suitability of information presented, and patient outcomes were a primary concern across all studies. Behavioral changes and pain management outcomes, however, were underemphasized in the literature. Discussion: Knowledge acquisition outcomes are overrepresented in the current literature compared to behavioral outcomes changes. Nonetheless, older adults report benefitting from the guidance provided in self-management programs when applying knowledge to practice. Future research is needed to better understand the facilitators and barriers to pain management changes in this population.