Chronic Non-Cancer Pain in Older Adults: Improving Quality of Care

A significant proportion of older adults suffer from chronic non-cancer pain, with estimates ranging from 28% to 88% of the population experiencing persistent pain. These individuals often face medication-related problems and receive inadequate pain therapy, compromising their quality of care. Researchers from the University of Applied Sciences and Arts Western Switzerland have conducted an integrative review to establish a scientific basis for developing quality indicators for the pharmacological management of older adult patients with chronic non-cancer pain. The study aimed to identify validated quality indicators and quality-related factors associated with reduced medication safety caused by pain-related medication therapy.

Key Takeaways:

• The prevalence of chronic non-cancer pain in older adults is alarmingly high, affecting between 28% to 88% of the population.
• Older adults with chronic non-cancer pain experience more medication-related problems and are more likely to receive insufficient pain therapy, impacting their quality of care.
• The study identified 11 validated quality indicators and developed a further 243 based on quality criteria reported in the literature, covering different levels of pharmacotherapy, substance groups, and individual active substances.
• The risk of bias in the included studies was high, highlighting the need for expert validation and input from patients in developing quality indicators.
• The researchers concluded that these quality indicators could help improve the quality of care provided to older adult patients with chronic non-cancer pain and focus specific interventions on vulnerable patients.
• Quality indicators for pharmacological management of chronic non-cancer pain in older adults are essential for improving the quality of care and reducing medication-related problems.
• The study emphasizes the importance of involving patients in the development of quality indicators to ensure their needs and concerns are addressed.
• The research has been peer-reviewed and published in the Journal of Evaluation in Clinical Practice.

Statistics:

• 28% to 88% of older adults experience chronic non-cancer pain.
• 70% of the included studies had a high risk of bias.
• 11 validated quality indicators were identified.
• 243 additional quality indicators were developed based on quality criteria reported in the literature.
• 78 articles met the inclusion criteria and were retained for analysis.

Sources:

• NewsRx. Report Summarizes Cancer Study Findings from University of Applied Sciences and Arts Western Switzerland (Quality Indicators for the Pharmacological Management of Chronic Non-Cancer Pain in Older Adult Patients: An Integrative Review). Health & Medicine Week. September 5, 2025; p 4306.
• University of Applied Sciences and Arts Western Switzerland. (2025). Quality Indicators for the Pharmacological Management of Chronic Non-Cancer Pain in Older Adult Patients: An Integrative Review. Journal of Evaluation in Clinical Practice, 31(5).