Factors affecting the pharmacotherapeutic management of chronic non-malignant pain in ageing and elderly populations in Ireland

Abstract

Chronic non-malignant pain (CNMP) has emerged as a global health priority due to the prevalence, complexity and presentation of the condition across all age- groups, social classes and ethnicities. There is a high prevalence of CNMP in ageing and elderly populations. The condition is associated with a range of negative physical, emotional, psychosocial and financial outcomes for patients, particularly when poorly managed. Pharmacotherapeutic, non-pharmacotherapeutic and surgical interventions may be used separately or in combination to provide pain relief for patients. The World Health Organisation (WHO) Analgesic Ladder (1986) provides a framework for the prescribing of analgesics and adjuvant agents for pain conditions arising from malignancy.