Abstract
Pain is a complex multidimensional and subjective experience. It is the mostcommon complaint of patients seeking medical treatment and a frequent symptom ofolder adults. Pain in geriatric oncology (gero-oncology) is a pressing issue given thedemographic trends pointing to an increasing population of older cancer patients, forwhom pain will be a significant consequence. Although a critical mass of painassessment tools now exist, there routine use in clinical practice has not reached thedesired levels due to logistical constraints. Accurate multidimensional pain assessment ingero-oncology is challenging, but necessary, first step to optimize personalized paintreatment and management. The Clinical Infometrics approach that integrates modern testtheory and advanced technology offers a fruitful venue for resolving many measurementissues. Well-designed computerized methodologies can potentially streamline the processof patient assessment and increase the accessibility of data to the interdisciplinary teamof healthcare professionals (including physicians, nurses, and social workers). Thischapter summarizes the challenges of pain assessment in gero-oncology patientsspecifically and discusses plausible solutions to overcome these challenges usinginnovative methodologies and technologies.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Title of host publication | New Directions in Aging Research |
| Subtitle of host publication | Health and Cognition |
| Publisher | Nova Science Publishers, Inc. |
| Pages | 75-90 |
| Number of pages | 16 |
| ISBN (Print) | 9781607419761 |
| State | Published - Dec 1 2009 |