Pain Assessment in Dementia

Using independent observation scales the right way

Stefan Lautenbacher

Learning objectives:
You will be familiar with the effects of dementia and the consequences of inadequate pain management for people with dementia. You will know about different ways of recording pain and which methods are most suitable for people with dementia. You are aware that the use of pain scales can be implemented with the phase model as used for the introduction of expert standards. You know that the targeted use of external assessment tools strengthens nursing expertise and promotes professional self-image.

Dear caregivers,

Pain and dementia both become considerably more common with age and therefore very often occur together. However, dementia prevents the use of the usual pain measurement by self-report, as self-perception and communication deteriorate. Therefore, external assessment of pain-reporting behaviour must take its place. The people who observe this behaviour best and most frequently are the nursing staff, whose interest is therefore particularly invited in this article. In the end, patients, relatives and carers are the first beneficiaries of qualified pain measurement in dementia.

I hope you enjoy reading this lecture!

Prof Dr Stefan Lautenbacher

Co-founder of BamLiD and former Professor of Physiological Psychology at the University of Bamberg.

CNE.fortbildung 2023; 3rd last checked: 2nd quarter 2023