Sestrinski glasnik, Vol. 29 No. 1, 2024.
Review article
https://doi.org/10.11608/sgnj.29.1.5
Pain assessment in patients with advanced dementia
Klaudia Knezić
; Klinički bolnički centar Zagreb, Kišpatićeva ulica 12, 10 000 Zagreb, Hrvatska
*
Ružica Valent
; Klinički bolnički centar Zagreb, Kišpatićeva ulica 12, 10 000 Zagreb, Hrvatska
Jasmina Kruško
; Klinika za dječje bolesti Zagreb, Referentni centar za pedijatrijsku gastroenterologiju, hepatologiju i poremećaje hrane, 10 000 Zagreb, Hrvatska
Mateja Krznar
; DEBRA, društvo oboljelih od bulozne epidermolize, 10 000 Zagreb, Hrvatska
* Corresponding author.
Abstract
Introduction: The aging population brings challenges in caring for elderly individuals, especially those with Alzheimer's dementia. This text explores pain assessment in individuals with dementia, utilizing various tools for multidimensional pain evaluation.
Aim: This research aims to explore and analyse different methods and tools for assessing pain in patients with advanced dementia. Through a review of relevant literature and analysis of existing tools for assessing pain in nonverbal and cognitively impaired individuals, the goal is to identify the most effective and applicable tools for clinical practice.
Methods: In the research we used search engines: Pub Med, CROSBI, Hrčak, and Academia.edu. A total of 70 sources on pain assessment in dementia were reviewed.
Results: Tools for pain assessment in non-verbal and cognitively impaired individuals include the Discomfort Scale in Dementia, Non-communicative Patient's Pain Assessment Instrument (NOPPAIN), Pain Assessment Checklist for Seniors with Limited Ability to Communicate (PACSLAC), and Pain Assessment in Advanced Dementia (PAINAD) scale. Seven commonly used pain assessment scales for dementia were selected, including the Numerical Rating Scale, Modified Non-Communicative Pain Scale, PAINAD, Abbey Pain Scale, Bolton Pain Assessment Tool, McGill Pain Questionnaire (MPQ), and Brief Pain Inventory (BPI).
Conclusion: Nurses employ a holistic approach to pain assessment for individuals with dementia. The lack of a standardized pain assessment scale hinders measurement precision. Further research and development of tools for better pain identification and management are recommended. Staff education is crucial for improving the quality of life for individuals with dementia. Continuous progress in understanding pain is essential for optimal care and well-being of individuals with dementia.
Keywords
dementia; pain assessment; assessment strategies; healthcare
Hrčak ID:
316033
URI
Publication date:
15.4.2024.
Visits: 1.031 *