Nonpharmacological Pain Management by Ethnically Diverse Older Adults With Chronic Pain: Barriers and Facilitators |
| |
| Authors: | Juyoung Park Christina E Hirz Karen Manotas Nancy Hooyman |
| |
| Institution: | 1. School of Social Work , Florida Atlantic University , Boca Raton , Florida , USA jpark14@fau.edu;3. School of Social Work , Florida Atlantic University , Boca Raton , Florida , USA;4. School of Medicine , University of Utah , Salt Lake City , Utah , USA;5. School of Social Work , University of Washington , Seattle , Washington , USA |
| |
| Abstract: | As key players in multidisciplinary health care systems, geriatric social workers must understand the dynamics of pain management among older adults with chronic pain. This study identified perceived barriers to, and facilitators for, utilizing nonpharmacological pain management through face-to-face interviews with 44 ethnically diverse community-dwelling older adults. Constant comparative analysis identified barriers not recognized in prior studies: (a) embarrassment/self-consciousness, (b) unavailability of certain treatments, and (c) lack of faith in effectiveness of nonpharmacological treatments. Most frequently reported facilitators were (a) social support, (b) positive attitude, and (c) available resources. Social workers can provide counseling to motivate older adults to exercise to manage chronic pain and refer them to exercise programs tailored for older adults. To resolve the most frequently reported barrier—transportation—social workers can link older adults with transportation services offered by senior centers or other nonprofit agencies. |
| |
| Keywords: | nonpharmacological therapies qualitative method pain management barriers facilitators |
|
|
