UB School of Nursing Researchers Uncover Important Implications for Pain Management in Older Adults

In “Psychosocial Phenotypes of Older Adults with Pain and Their Associated Clinical Outcomes,” the researchers examined patterns of psychosocial characteristics in individuals 65 or older who experienced pain. Psychosocial characteristics are psychological and social factors such as experiences of depression, anxiety, affect, self-realization (fulfillment of potential), resilience and social participation. A “psychosocial phenotype” refers to a distinct pattern of these characteristics that allows clinicians to better understand and address mental and social well-being in pain management.

“This study explored the unique psychosocial profiles of older adults living with pain,” Wang said. Wang further explained that the findings suggest a link between patients with more adverse psychosocial characteristics experiencing poorer health outcomes.

The study underlines the significant role of mental and social well-being in the treatment of pain among patients older than 65. Additionally, it suggests that identifying psychosocial phenotypes among older adults could help health care providers develop more personalized and effective pain management strategies.

"In clinical practice, nurses should comprehensively assess pain's psychosocial, physical, and cognitive impacts on older adults,” said Holmes, the study’s lead author. “This will shift the focus from pain severity to other pain-related outcomes.”

Chang emphasized the study’s implications for treating pain in older adults.

“By identifying psychosocial phenotypes, health care providers can tailor pain management strategies to each group, making treatments more effective and moving toward a more personalized, precision-based approach.”

Holmes added that future research should investigate the long-term effects of tailoring pain management interventions that consider an older adult’s specific psychosocial phenotype, noting the potential for improved outcomes in this growing patient population.

By SHANNON O'SULLIVAN