PainChek calls for “crucial” pain management amid projected surge in dementia cases
Tackling the challenge of managing pain in individuals living with dementia is more important than ever in light of new research indicating a potentially higher-than-anticipated number of future dementia cases in England and Wales, says medtech company, PainChek.
According to a new study led by University College London, up to 1.7 million people could be living with dementia in England and Wales by 2040 – over 40 per cent more than previously forecast.
The research, published in The Lancet Public Health, also finds that the rate of dementia onset within older age groups is increasing.
Tandeep Gill of PainChek, a medical device for the assessment of pain, commented: “Pain tops the list of physical reasons for behavioural changes in people living with dementia*, but it is often poorly recognised and undertreated because of cognitive and communication challenges.
“This can lead to behavioural and psychological issues, unnecessary prescribing of antipsychotics, and decreased quality of life.
“With at least 50 per cent of people living with dementia experiencing pain on a regular basis, it is essential that this pain is identified and managed effectively to ensure the provision of high-quality care for these individuals.
With recent research forecasting an increase in future dementia cases in England and Wales, everyone, especially the social care workforce, urgently needs support and information about the signs and impact of pain.
This also includes how to identify and manage it, to enhance quality of life for people living with dementia and improve the understanding of their carers and loved ones.”
PainChek has supported Quality Compliance Systems (QCS) with the development of a new pain management policy, which has been designed to help improve pain assessment and management in those who cannot reliably self-report their pain.
Working closely with QCS, PainChek has ensured that the updated policy supports carers in appropriately identifying and managing pain experiences in people who cannot reliably self-report their pain by harnessing the potential of technology-enabled care.
“By having a reliable procedures and methods of identifying, quantifying and documenting pain levels, care providers are better equipped to manage pain for everyone within their care, regardless of their ability to self-report their pain, ensuing equity for all.” says Tandeep.
“This can facilitate the improved optimisation of pain management medications and help ensure interventions are effective.
“Digital pain assessment can also act as a collaborative tool to allow all those involved in an individual’s care to review past and present pain scores, share evidence with allied healthcare professionals, and effectively provide and plan person-centred, long-term care.”
Lindsay Rees is Head of Social Care Content at QCS and has championed the new pain policy. She says: “We worked closely with experts at PainChek and agreed to focus on highlighting three key areas of best practice.
“Pain assessment for all; use of pain assessment tools; and the consideration of non-verbal communication in people with cognitive impairment. The guidance in our new policy will help caregivers to really investigate, measure, and manage pain in a way that truly makes a difference.”
The PainChek app is available on smartphones and tablets and combines PainChek’s AI pain assessment tool, which intelligently automates the multidimensional pain assessment process, with the Numerical Rating Scale (NRS).
This hybrid functionality allows accurate, consistent pain assessment at the point of care, whether a resident or patient can or cannot self-report their pain.
