Valoración del dolor en demencia avanzada: revisión bibliográfica

Abstract

Background: The literature shows that health professionals do not have adequate tools to identify pain in patients with advanced dementia. Objectives: To identify tools that have to use nursing for pain assessment in advanced dementia and to identify directions for future research lines. Methodology: Studies published from 1998 to February 2014 were reviewed to identify research about pain assessment in geriatrics care. Results: None of the tools developed to date has shown sufficient validity, reliability or sensitivity to effectively assess pain. Conclusions: Further research is needed to develop effective instruments in order to provide suitable treatment for patients.