Roles of Nursing in Effectiveness of Pain Management Interventions in Geriatric Patients: Review

Abstract

Pain management in geriatric patients is a critical component of nursing care, given the high prevalence of chronic pain and its profound impact on quality of life. Pain in elderly individuals often arises from degenerative conditions, chronic diseases, and post-surgical recovery, and it is frequently underreported and undertreated due to communication barriers, cognitive impairments, and misconceptions about aging. Nurses, as frontline caregivers, play a pivotal role in assessing, implementing, and evaluating pain management strategies that integrate pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions. This review provides an in-depth analysis of nursing roles in pain management for geriatric patients, examining their contributions to individualized care planning, interdisciplinary collaboration, patient education, and advocacy. Challenges such as cognitive decline, polypharmacy, and healthcare access are discussed, along with future directions for enhancing nursing practices in pain management.