AMDA Foundation - Vol XVII, May `06

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Vol XVII, May `06

QI Newsletter Archive - Volume XVII, May 2006

CPG Spotlight: Pain Management Clinical Practice Guideline

Vol XVII, May `06

This month's newsletter presents the third of a multi-month CPG Spotlight series designed to provide you, our partners, with detailed information about the intent and content of the AMDA CPGs that form the basis of the LTC-QI Partnership's intervention.

Pain Management in the Nursing Home

Vol XVII, May `06

Pain is common in the nursing home setting; estimates of the prevalence range from 45% to 80%. Although disorders that can cause chronic pain become more common with increasing age, pain itself is not a normal part of aging and can have a detrimental impact on quality of life. As a result, recognizing and managing pain in this population is imperative.

Despite its prevalence, and the importance of managing it, pain is often under-recognized and under treated in the nursing home.

Assessing Care Practices

Vol XVII, May `06 Nursing home residents' pain can be reliably detected and effectively treated. Although recognizing and treating pain in this setting presents special challenges, a systematic effort can overcome barriers and be successful.
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Making System Changes

Vol XVII, May `06 As discussed in the April e-Newsletter, one of our goals at the LTC-QI Partnership is to help nursing homes engage in behavior change by linking the CPGs with helpful tools, education, and training.
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Link to Quality

Vol XVII, May `06 Like pressure ulcer prevention, a facility's success at controlling pain in their residents is an important indicator of quality of care.
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Project Update