Mapping review of pain management programmes and psychological therapies for community-dwelling older people living with pain

Abstract

Aim: Review undertaken to identify and explore suitable strategies and interventions for managing or reducing the impact of pain for community-dwelling older people with frailty from the evidence in a broader population. Findings: Thirty-one randomised controlled trials (RCTs) that collectively evaluated 16 pain management programmes and 17 psychological therapies were identified. The common mechanisms of change proposed in the studies were enhancing self-efficacy, using positive psychological skills or refocusing attention to improve responses to pain, and practising physical exercises to improve physiological well-being and reduce restrictions from pain. Message: All the evaluated interventions appeared to show potential benefits to older people that may be transferable to those with frailty.