This learning module was developed based on research outlining practicing nurses’ and student nurses’ learning needs related to working with older people.  In a recent study, practicing nurses indicated their top learning need related to working with older people was understanding cognitive impairment and how to manage associated pain assessment and management. (Dahlke et al., 2019).

Learning Objectives

• Understand the different types of pain
• Develop an understanding of pain in older adults – prevalence, risk factors, consequences
• Explore myths related to pain in older adults
• Understand methods to assess pain
• Understand how to assess for pain in cognitively intact and impaired older adults
• Understand various approaches to pain management

(Developed by Shovana Shrestha, MN, PhD candidate, RN and Sherry Dahlke PhD, RN GNC(C).)