Significance of the problem to nursing and health care

Full Answer Section

• Decreased Quality of Life: Uncontrolled pain can significantly diminish an older adult's overall quality of life.

This scholarly project aims to provide an evidence-based explanation for implementing improved pain management strategies in LTCFs. It will explore the benefits of effective pain management, focusing on improved health outcomes, reduced healthcare costs, and increased efficiency within LTCFs.

Background on the Problem

According to the American Geriatrics Society, approximately 50% of older adults residing in LTCFs experience chronic pain (AGS Pain in Older Adults Panel, 2018). Several factors contribute to this undertreated pain:

• Misinterpretation of Pain: Healthcare providers may misinterpret pain expressions in older adults due to cognitive decline or communication difficulties.
• Fear of Over-Medication: Concerns about opioid dependence and side effects can lead to under-dosing of pain medication.
• Lack of Standardized Practices: Inconsistency in pain assessment and management protocols across LTCFs can lead to inadequate pain relief.

Significance to Nursing and Healthcare

Effective pain management is a core component of quality care for older adults and a national healthcare priority as outlined by the Joint Commission (2023). Untreated pain not only diminishes the well-being of residents but also increases healthcare burden:

• Increased Hospitalizations: Uncontrolled pain can lead to complications that require hospitalization.
• Increased Healthcare Costs: Poorly managed pain can inflate healthcare resource utilization, increasing costs for LTCFs and the healthcare system.
• Staff Burnout: Managing residents with uncontrolled pain can contribute to staff burnout and turnover.

Benefits to Nursing Practice

This project will provide nurses with evidence-based strategies to improve pain management in LTCFs. Expected outcomes include:

• Improved Resident Outcomes: Residents will experience better pain control, leading to improved functional abilities, mental health, and quality of life.
• Reduced Hospitalizations: Effective pain management can decrease complications and hospital admissions.
• Increased Staff Efficiency: Nurses will spend less time managing uncontrolled pain and more time focusing on resident-centered care.
• Improved Job Satisfaction: Reduced resident pain and improved outcomes can enhance staff satisfaction and morale.

These outcomes align with evidence-based guidelines established by the American Pain Society and the American Geriatrics Society, promoting optimal pain management for older adults (American Geriatrics Society Pain in Older Adults Panel, 2018).

The project's findings may be applicable to other healthcare settings caring for older adults, such as assisted living facilities and hospitals. It can contribute to improved pain management practices and better patient outcomes across the healthcare continuum.

References

American Geriatrics Society Pain in Older Adults Panel. (2018). Guideline for the Management of Chronic Pain in Older Adults. The Journal of the American Geriatrics Society, 66(S1), S7-S62.

Joint Commission. (2023). Pain Management. https://www.jointcommission.org/standards/standard-faqs/hospital-and-hospital-clinics/leadership-ld/000002161/

Sample Answer

Scholarly Project Proposal: Improving Pain Management for Older Adults in Long-Term Care Facilities

Purpose and Rationale

Effective pain management is essential for maintaining the well-being of older adults, especially those residing in long-term care facilities (LTCFs). Undertreated pain can lead to a cascade of negative consequences, including:

• Functional Decline: Pain can limit mobility and participation in daily activities, leading to a decline in physical and cognitive function.
• Increased Depression and Anxiety: Chronic pain can significantly impact mental health, leading to depression and anxiety.