MULTIDISCIPLINARY PAIN CLINICS FOR OLDER-PEOPLE - DO THEY HAVE A ROLE

Chronic pain occurs frequently in older people but is rarely considere d a problem which warrants specialized attention by physicians or spec ialists in pain management, However a small proportion of older people with significant psychologic and physical disability from pain fail t o respond to conservative management strategics. In this article, the authors describe the operations of a successful multidisciplinary pain management center for older people and briefly outline outcomes accor ding to measures of pain, mood, and activity, Other factors that are s pecific and important to the management of chronic pain in older patie nts are discussed also. Despite some disadvantages, it is concluded th at there is a place for multidisciplinary pain clinics for older peopl e.