Intranasal fentanyl and discharge from the emergency department among children with sickle cell disease and vaso-occlusive pain: A multicenter pediatric emergency medicine perspective.

Children with sickle cell disease (SCD) commonly experience vaso-occlusive pain episodes (VOE) due to sickling of erythrocytes, which often requires care in the emergency department. Our objective was to assess the use and impact of intranasal fentanyl for the treatment of children with SCD-VOE on discharge from the emergency department in a multicenter study. We conducted a cross-sectional study at 20 academic pediatric emergency departments in the United States and Canada. We used logistic regression to test bivariable and multivariable associations between the outcome of discharge from the emergency department and candidate variables theoretically associated with discharge. The study included 400 patients; 215 (54%) were female. The median age was 14.6 (interquartile range 9.8, 17.6) years. Nineteen percent (n = 75) received intranasal fentanyl in the emergency department. Children who received intranasal fentanyl had nearly nine-fold greater adjusted odds of discharge from the emergency department compared to those who did not (adjusted odds ratio 8.99, 95% CI 2.81-30.56, p < .001). The rapid onset of action and ease of delivery without intravenous access offered by intranasal fentanyl make it a feasible initial parenteral analgesic in the treatment of children with SCD presenting with VOE in the acute-care setting. Further study is needed to determine potential causality of the association between intranasal fentanyl and discharge from the emergency department observed in this multicenter study.

Partnering to cope with pain: A pilot study of a caregiver-assisted pain coping skills intervention for patients with cognitive impairment and dementia.

OBJECTIVE: To develop a new caregiver-assisted pain coping skills training protocol specifically tailored for community-dwelling persons with cognitive impairment and pain, and assess its feasibility and acceptability. METHOD: In Phase I, we conducted interviews with 10 patient-caregiver dyads to gather feedback about intervention content and delivery. Phase II was a single-arm pilot test to evaluate the intervention's feasibility and acceptability. Dyads in the pilot study (n = 11) completed baseline surveys, received five intervention sessions, and then completed post-intervention surveys. Analyses focused on feasibility and acceptability. RESULTS: Dyads responded positively to the pain coping skills presented in the interviews; their feedback was used to refine the intervention. Findings from the pilot study suggested that the intervention was feasible and acceptable. 69% of eligible dyads consented, 82% completed all five intervention sessions, and 100% completed the post-treatment assessment. Caregivers reported high satisfaction ratings. They also reported using the pain coping skills on a regular basis, and that they found most of the skills helpful and easy to use. SIGNIFICANCE OF RESULTS: These preliminary findings suggest that a caregiver-assisted pain coping skills intervention is feasible and acceptable, and that it may be a promising approach to managing pain in patients with cognitive impairment.

Validating Goal Attainment in Veterans Undergoing Decompressive Laminectomy: A Preliminary Study.

OBJECTIVE: Although decompressive laminectomy (DL) for lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS) is a common procedure among older adults, it is unclear whether surgical definitions of success translate into patient-defined success. Using goal attainment scaling (GAS) to compare goal achievement between individuals, we investigated the relationship between surgical-defined functional recovery and achievement of personalized goals in patients who underwent DL for LSS. PARTICIPANTS: Twenty-eight community-dwelling veterans scheduled to undergo DL. METHODS: Participants were interviewed over the phone to set 1-year post-DL goals within 30 days before undergoing DL. Brigham Spinal Stenosis (BSS) score, comorbidities, cognitive function, and psychological factors also were assessed. GAS and BSS were repeated 1 year after DL. GAS scores were transformed into GAS-T scores (T-score transformation) to standardize achievement between patients and GAS-T change scores to compare study variables. RESULTS: Seventeen of 28 participants had successful DL outcomes by BSS standards, though none of the participants achieved all of their GAS goals, with follow-up GAS-T scores averaging 44.5 ± 16.8. All three BSS scales positively correlated with GAS-T change scores: severity change r = 0.52, P = 0.005; physical function change r = 0.51, P = 0.006; and satisfaction r = 0.70, P < 0.001. Covariate analysis revealed a negative correlation between GAS-T change score and fear-avoidance beliefs: r = -0.41, P = -0.029. CONCLUSION: There was congruent validity between GAS and the BSS in older veterans undergoing DL for LSS. Given the need for patient-centered care in older adults, future investigations exploring GAS in larger studies that target additional pain conditions and include participants with greater demographic diversity are warranted.

Emergency Laboratory Evaluations for Patients With Inborn Errors of Metabolism.

BACKGROUND: Children with inborn errors of metabolism (IEM) are at risk for metabolic crises triggered by acute illnesses. Crises are identified through laboratory evaluations. OBJECTIVES: Our objective was to determine national adherence to minimum laboratory evaluations for patients with IEM in emergency departments (EDs), as well as factors associated with laboratory evaluation adherence. METHODS: Using the Pediatric Health Information System, we identified visits to 48 EDs from 2012 to 2017 by children with IEM. We analyzed visits for catabolic conditions (dehydration, gastroenteritis, or vomiting) and determined variation in minimum laboratory evaluation adherence. Multivariable models were created to determine predictors of adherence. RESULTS: Among the visits by children with disorders of the urea cycle, organic acid metabolism, and fatty acid oxidation, 1457 (76.3%) of 1909 adhered to the minimum laboratory evaluation. Median ED-level adherence was 78.2% (interquartile range, 67.4-92.5). Factors associated with adherence were disorder [fatty acid oxidation vs urea cycle disorder; adjusted odds ratio (aOR), 9.35; 95% confidence interval (CI), 4.07-21.47], annual ED volume of patients with IEM (quartile 4 vs 1; aOR, 3.58; 95% CI, 1.51-8.49), and presence of a biochemical genetics fellowship (aOR, 0.29; 95% CI, 0.14-0.62). CONCLUSIONS: Patients with IEM frequently did not receive minimum laboratory evaluations for catabolic conditions. Measures to improve laboratory use in children with IEM should be undertaken.

Opioid Exposure Negatively Affects Antidepressant Response to Venlafaxine in Older Adults with Chronic Low Back Pain and Depression.

OBJECTIVE: Serotonin norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) are commonly co-prescribed with opioids for chronic pain. The purpose of this study was to describe pain and mood response to venlafaxine among older adults with chronic low back pain (CLBP) and depression relative to opioid exposure. DESIGN: Secondary analyses were collected from a randomized clinical trial testing a stepped-care approach to comorbid pain and depression in older patients: the Addressing Depression and Pain Together study (ADAPT: 2010-2016). SETTING: University-based late-life mental health research clinic. SUBJECTS: Two hundred twenty-seven adults aged 65+ years with CLBP and depression. METHODS: Participants received six weeks of lower-dose venlafaxine (≤150 mg/d). Pain and depression were measured each week. Response for both pain and depression at the end of six weeks was defined by a ≥30% improvement on a 0-20 numeric rating scale for low back pain and a Patient Health Questionnaire-9 score ≤5. Opioid exposure was analyzed as prescribed (yes or no) and by morphine equivalent dosing (MED). RESULTS: Patients co-prescribed an opioid were less likely to report a pain response to venlafaxine. MED was negatively correlated with pain response. Depression response was not impacted. CONCLUSIONS: Opioids are negatively associated with older adults' early analgesic response to lower-dose venlafaxine. These findings suggest that clinicians may wish to consider either nonopioid or alternative antidepressant approaches to pain management in these complex patients. It is reassuring that opioids do not prevent depression response. Future research should examine both longer duration of treatment and a wider range of doses.

Do Decision Aids Benefit Patients with Chronic Musculoskeletal Pain? A Systematic Review.

OBJECTIVE: To review the effect of patient decision aids for adults making treatment decisions regarding the management of chronic musculoskeletal pain. METHODS: We performed a systematic review of randomized controlled trials of adults using patient decision aids to make treatment decisions for chronic musculoskeletal pain in the outpatient setting. RESULTS: Of 477 records screened, 17 met the inclusion criteria. Chronic musculoskeletal pain conditions included osteoarthritis of the hip, knee, or trapeziometacarpal joint and back pain. Thirteen studies evaluated the use of a decision aid for deciding between surgical and nonsurgical management. The remaining four studies evaluated decision aids for nonsurgical treatment options. Outcomes included decision quality, pain, function, and surgery utilization. The effects of decision aids on decision-making outcomes were mixed. Comparing decision aids with usual care, all five studies that examined knowledge scores found improvement in patient knowledge. None of the four studies that evaluated satisfaction with the decision-making process found a difference with use of a decision aid. There was limited and inconsistent data on other decision-related outcomes. Of the eight studies that evaluated surgery utilization, seven found no difference in surgery rates with use of a decision aid. Five studies made comparisons between different types of decision aids, and there was no clearly superior format. CONCLUSIONS: Decision aids may improve patients' knowledge about treatment options for chronic musculoskeletal pain but largely did not impact other outcomes. Future efforts should focus on improving the effectiveness of decision aids and incorporating nonpharmacologic and nonsurgical management options.

Aging Back Clinics-a Geriatric Syndrome Approach to Treating Chronic Low Back Pain in Older Adults: Results of a Preliminary Randomized Controlled Trial.

OBJECTIVE: Treating chronic low back pain (CLBP) with spine-focused interventions is common, potentially dangerous, and often ineffective. This preliminary trial tests the feasibility and efficacy of caring for CLBP in older adults as a geriatric syndrome in Aging Back Clinics (ABC). DESIGN: Randomized controlled trial. SETTING: Outpatient clinics of two VA Medical Centers. SUBJECTS: Fifty-five English-speaking veterans aged 60-89 with CLBP and no red flags for serious underlying illness, prior back surgery, dementia, impaired communication, or uncontrolled psychiatric illness. METHODS: Participants were randomized to ABC care or usual care (UC) and followed for six months. ABC care included 1) a structured history and physical examination to identify pain contributors, 2) structured participant education, 3) collaborative decision-making, and 4) care guided by condition-specific algorithms. Primary outcomes were low back pain severity (0-10 current and seven-day average/worst pain) and pain-related disability (Roland Morris). Secondary outcomes included the SF-12 and health care utilization. RESULTS: ABC participants experienced significantly greater reduction in seven-day average (-1.22 points, P = 0.023) and worst pain (-1.70 points, P = 0.003) and SF-12 interference with social activities (50.0 vs 11.5%, P = 0.0030) at six months. ABC participants were less likely to take muscle relaxants (16.7 vs 42.3%, P = 0.0481). Descriptively, UC participants were more likely to experience pain-related emergency room visits (45.8% vs 30.8%) and to be exposed to non-COX2 nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (73.1% vs 54.2%). CONCLUSIONS: These preliminary data suggest that ABC care for older veterans with CLBP is feasible and may reduce pain and exposure to other potential morbidity.

How to Teach Medical Students About Pain and Dementia: E-Learning, Experiential Learning, or Both?

OBJECTIVE: Pain management in persons with mild to moderate dementia poses unique challenges because of altered pain modulation and the tendency of some individuals to perseverate. We aimed to test the impact of an e-learning module about pain in communicative people with dementia on third-year medical students who had or had not completed an experiential geriatrics course. DESIGN: Analysis of pre- to postlearning changes and comparison of the same across the student group. SETTING: University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine and Saint Louis University School of Medicine. SUBJECTS: One hundred four University of Pittsburgh and 57 Saint Louis University medical students. METHODS: University of Pittsburgh students were randomized to view either the pain and dementia module or a control module on pain during a five-day geriatrics course. Saint Louis University students were asked to complete either of the two modules without the context of a geriatrics course. A 10-item multiple choice knowledge test and three-item attitudes and confidence questionnaires were administered before viewing the module and up to seven days later. RESULTS: Knowledge increase was significantly greater among students who viewed the dementia module while participating in the geriatrics course than among students who viewed the module without engaging in the course (P < 0.001). The modules did not improve attitudes in any group, while student confidence improved in all groups. CONCLUSIONS: Medical students exposed to e-learning or experiential learning demonstrated improved confidence in evaluating and managing pain in patients with dementia. Those exposed to both educational methods also significantly improved their knowledge.

Pain Catastrophizing and Arthritis Self-Efficacy as Mediators of Sleep Disturbance and Osteoarthritis Symptom Severity.

OBJECTIVE: Sleep and pain-related experiences are consistently associated, but the pathways linking these experiences are not well understood. We evaluated whether pain catastrophizing and arthritis self-efficacy mediate the association between sleep disturbance and osteoarthritis (OA) symptom severity in patients with knee OA. METHODS: We analyzed cross-sectional baseline data collected from Veterans Affairs (VA) patients enrolled in a clinical trial examining the effectiveness of a positive psychology intervention in managing pain from knee OA. Participants indicated how often in the past two weeks they were bothered by trouble falling asleep, staying asleep, or sleeping too much. We used validated scales to assess the primary outcome (OA symptom severity) and potential mediators (arthritis self-efficacy and pain catastrophizing). To test the proposed mediation model, we used parallel multiple mediation analyses with bootstrapping, controlling for sociodemographic and clinical characteristics with bivariate associations with OA symptom severity. RESULTS: The sample included 517 patients (Mage = 64 years, 72.9% male, 52.2% African American). On average, participants reported experiencing sleep disturbance at least several days in the past two weeks (M = 1.41, SD = 1.18) and reported moderate OA symptom severity (M = 48.22, SD = 16.36). More frequent sleep disturbance was associated with higher OA symptom severity directly (b = 3.08, P <0.001) and indirectly, through higher pain catastrophizing (b = 0.60, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.20 to 1.11) and lower arthritis self-efficacy (b = 0.84, 95% CI = 0.42 to 1.42). CONCLUSIONS: Pain catastrophizing and arthritis self-efficacy partially mediated the association between sleep disturbance and OA symptom severity. Behavioral interventions that address pain catastrophizing and/or self-efficacy may buffer the association between sleep disturbance and OA symptom severity.

Improving Patient Reported Outcomes and Preventing Depression and Anxiety in Older Adults With Knee Osteoarthritis: Results of a Sequenced Multiple Assignment Randomized Trial (SMART) Study.

OBJECTIVE: Older adults with knee osteoarthritis (OA) and comorbid subsyndromal depressive symptoms are at elevated risk for incidental major depression or anxiety disorders. Using an indicated prevention paradigm, the authors conducted a sequenced multiple assignment randomized trial (SMART) to: 1) evaluate the effect of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and physical therapy (PT), together with the temporal ordering of these interventions, on patient-reported global impression of change (P-GIC), mood, anxiety, and pain; and 2) compare the strategies' impact on incidence of common psychiatric disorders over 12-months. METHODS: This intervention development trial compared four adaptive strategies delivered in two stages (each up to 8 weeks), contrasted with enhanced usual care (EUC). The strategies were CBT followed by an increased dose of CBT (CBT-CBT), CBT followed by PT (CBT-PT), PT followed by an increased dose of PT (PT-PT), and PT followed by CBT (PT-CBT). Participants (n = 99) were aged 60 years and older and met clinical criteria for knee OA and subthreshold depression. Response was defined as at least "much better" on the P-GIC. Participants were assessed quarterly for 12 months for incidence of psychiatric disorders. RESULTS: Stage 1 response was higher for PT (47.5%) compared to CBT (20.5%). Non-responders receiving an additional dose of the same intervention experienced a response rate of 73%, higher than for switching to a different intervention. All strategies were superior to EUC (5%). Although not powered to detect effects on disorders, neither intervention strategy nor response status affected 12-month incidence of depression and anxiety disorders. CONCLUSION: As response rates were similar for PT-PT and CBT-CBT, it may be dose and not type of these interventions that are necessary for clinical benefit. For non-responders, this finding may guide providers to stay the clinical course for up to 12 weeks before switching. These results support future trials of SMART designs in late-life depression prevention.

Normal saline bolus use in pediatric emergency departments is associated with poorer pain control in children with sickle cell anemia and vaso-occlusive pain.

Vaso-occlusive pain events (VOE) are the leading cause of emergency department (ED) visits in sickle cell anemia (SCA). This study assessed the variability in use of intravenous fluids (IVFs), and the association of normal saline bolus (NSB), on pain and other clinical outcomes in children with SCA, presenting to pediatric emergency departments (PED) with VOE. Four-hundred charts of children age 3-21 years with SCA/VOE receiving parenteral opioids at 20 high-volume PEDs were evaluated in a retrospective study. Data on type and amount of IVFs used were collected. Patients were divided into two groups: those who received NSB and those who did not. The association of NSB use on change in pain scores and admission rates was evaluated. Among 400 children studied, 261 (65%) received a NSB. Mean age was 13.8 ± 4.9 years; 46% were male; 92% had hemoglobin-SS. The IVFs (bolus and/or maintenance) were used in 84% of patients. Eight different types of IVFs were utilized and IVF volume administered varied widely. Mean triage pain scores were similar between groups, but improvement in pain scores from presentation-to-ED-disposition was smaller in the NSB group (2.2 vs 3.0, P = .03), while admission rates were higher (71% vs 59%, P = .01). Use of NSB remained associated with poorer final pain scores and worse change in pain scores in our multivariable model. In conclusion, wide variations in practice utilizing IVFs are common. NSB is given to >50% of children with SCA/VOE, but is associated with poorer pain control; a controlled prospective trial is needed to determine causality.

Biopsychosocial Profiles and Functional Correlates in Older Adults with Chronic Low Back Pain: A Preliminary Study.

OBJECTIVE: To describe key peripheral and central nervous system (CNS) conditions in a group of older adults with chronic low back pain (CLBP) and their association with pain severity and self-reported and performance-based physical function. DESIGN: Cross-sectional. SETTING: Outpatient VA clinics. SUBJECTS: Forty-seven community-dwelling veterans with CLBP (age 68.0 ± 6.5 years, range = 60-88 years, 12.8% female, 66% white) participated. METHODS: Data were collected on peripheral pain generators-body mass index, American College of Rheumatology hip osteoarthritis criteria, neurogenic claudication (i.e., spinal stenosis), sacroiliac joint (SIJ) pain, myofascial pain, leg length discrepancy (LLD), and iliotibial band pain; and CNS pain generators-anxiety (GAD-7), depression (PHQ-9), insomnia (Insomnia Severity Index), maladaptive coping (Fear Avoidance Beliefs Questionnaire, Cognitive Strategies Questionnaire), and fibromyalgia (fibromyalgia survey). Outcomes were pain severity (0 to 10 scale, seven-day average and worst), self-reported pain interference (Roland Morris [RM] questionnaire), and gait speed. RESULTS: Approximately 96% had at least one peripheral CLBP contributor, 83% had at least one CNS contributor, and 80.9% had both peripheral and CNS contributors. Of the peripheral conditions, only SIJ pain and LLD were associated with outcomes. All of the CNS conditions and SIJ pain were related to RM score. Only depression/anxiety and LLD were associated with gait speed. CONCLUSIONS: In this sample of older veterans, CLBP was a multifaceted condition. Both CNS and peripheral conditions were associated with self-reported and performance-based function. Additional investigation is required to determine the impact of treating these conditions on patient outcomes and health care utilization.

Development of an Evaluative, Educational, and Communication-Facilitating App for Older Adults with Chronic Low Back Pain: Patient Perceptions of Usability and Utility.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study is to examine the usability and utility of an office-based iPad app that we developed for older adults with chronic low back pain (CLBP). The app screens for conditions that contribute to back pain and pain interference and provides personalized education based on patient responses. It also facilitates patient-provider communication regarding treatment targets and expectations. METHODS: Forty-six older adults (age ≥60 years) with CLBP were recruited from the Veterans Affairs and from the Pittsburgh community. Testing was split into two phases. Alpha testing (N = 15) was used to drive design changes to the app. Beta testing (N = 30, after one participant withdrew) used a structured questionnaire to evaluate the app's usability and utility. RESULTS: The application was rated highly for usability and utility (9.6 and 8.9 out of 10, respectively). The majority of participants (82.1%) agreed that the app would help them communicate with their doctor and that it gave them useful information about potentially harmful or unnecessary interventions such as opioids and imaging (79.2% and 75.0%). Participants (age ≥60 years, mean age = 75.5 years) were able to successfully use the application without assistance and would be willing to do so in their primary care office. CONCLUSIONS: We present the development of a CLBP app that screens for pain contributors and provides personalized education based on patient responses. Such an app could be employed in a variety of clinical settings to help educate patients about their CLBP and to curtail unnecessary interventions. Patient outcomes are being tested in an ongoing clinical trial.

Rapid cycle deliberate practice vs. traditional simulation in a resource-limited setting.

BACKGROUND: We sought to develop a low-fidelity simulation-based curriculum for pediatric residents in Rwanda utilizing either rapid cycle deliberate practice (RCDP) or traditional debriefing, and to determine whether RCDP leads to greater improvement in simulation-based performance and in resident confidence compared with traditional debriefing. METHODS: Pediatric residents at the Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Kigali (CHUK) were randomly assigned to RCDP or traditional simulation and completed a 6 month-long simulation-based curriculum designed to improve pediatric resuscitation skills. Pre- and post- performance was assessed using a modified version of the Simulation Team Assessment Tool (STAT). Each video-taped simulation was reviewed by two investigators and inter-rater reliability was assessed. Self-confidence in resuscitation, pre- and post-simulation, was assessed by Likert scale survey. Analyses were conducted using parametric and non-parametric testing, ANCOVA and intra-class correlation coefficients (ICC). RESULTS: There was a 21% increase in pre- to post-test performance in both groups (p < 0.001), but no difference between groups (mean difference - 0.003%; p 0.94). Inter-rater reliability was exceptional with both pre and post ICCs ≥0.95 (p < 0.001). Overall, self-confidence scores improved from pre to post (24.0 vs. 30.0 respectively, p < 0.001), however, the there was no difference between the RCDP and traditional groups. CONCLUSIONS: Completion of a six-month low-fidelity simulation-based curriculum for pediatric residents in Rwanda led to statistically significant improvement in performance on a simulated resuscitation. RCDP and traditional low-fidelity simulation-based instruction may both be valuable tools to improve resuscitation skills in pediatric residents in resource-limited settings.

Effect of Problem-Solving Therapy Versus Supportive Management in Older Adults with Low Back Pain and Depression While on Antidepressant Pharmacotherapy.

OBJECTIVE: Testing stepped-care approaches that address both depression and low back pain are needed to optimize outcomes in older adults. METHODS: This university-based late-life depression research center assessed 227 adults aged ≥ 60 years with chronic low back pain and depression. In Phase 1 participants received 6 weeks of low-dose venlafaxine (≤150 mg/day). Nonresponders were randomized to 10 weeks of high-dose venlafaxine (up to 300 mg/day) plus problem-solving therapy (PST) or high-dose venlafaxine with supportive management. Definition of response was 2 weeks of Patient Health Questionnaire-9 ≤ 5 and ≥30% pain reduction on a numeric rating scale. Function was measured with the Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB) and Roland Morris Disability Questionnaire (RMDQ). RESULTS: Of those who completed Phase 1 (N = 209), 78.5% (N = 164) were nonresponders and 139 proceeded to Phase 2, with 68 randomized to venlafaxine/PST and 71 randomized to venlafaxine/supportive management. Of those in venlafaxine/PST, 41.2% (28/68) responded, and of those in venlafaxine/supportive management, 39.4% (28/71) responded. Cumulative proportion responding over time did not differ across the two arms (hazard ratio: 1.07; 95% confidence interval: 0.63-1.80). We observed clinically significant improvements in physical performance (SPPB) and disability (RMDQ) across both Phase 1 and 2, independent of intervention. Over 12 months of follow-up there was no difference between groups for stability of depression, pain, or disability. CONCLUSION: The combination of antidepressant pharmacotherapy and PST was not superior to antidepressant pharmacotherapy and supportive management. Clinically, the rates of response and stability of response over 1 year observed in both groups suggest that these approaches may have clinical utility in these chronically suffering patients.

An E-learning Module on Chronic Low Back Pain in Older Adults: Effect on Medical Resident Attitudes, Confidence, Knowledge, and Clinical Skills.

Objective: To determine 1) the feasibility of implementing an e-learning module on chronic low back pain (CLBP) in an older adult into an existing internal medicine residency curriculum and 2) the impact of this module on resident attitudes, confidence, knowledge, and clinical skills relating to CLBP. Methods: Participants were assigned to complete either the online module (N = 73) or the Yale Office-based curriculum on CLBP (N = 70). Attitudes, confidence, and knowledge were evaluated pre- and postintervention via survey. A retrospective blinded chart review of resident clinic encounters was conducted, wherein diagnosis codes and physical exam documentation were rated as basic or advanced. Results: There was no improvement in overall knowledge scores in either group (60% average on both metrics). There were tendencies for greater improvements in the intervention group compared with controls for confidence in managing fibromyalgia (2.4 to 2.9 vs 2.5 to 2.5, P = 0.06) and leg length discrepancy (1.8 to 2.5 vs 1.5 to 1.9, P = 0.05). Those exposed to the online module also showed an increase in the percentage of physical exam documentation rated as advanced following the intervention (13% to 32%, P = 0.006), whereas the control group showed no change (14% to 12%, P = 0.68). Conclusions: An online module on CLBP in the older adult was a feasible addition to an existing curriculum for internal medicine residents. The module positively and substantively impacted resident clinical behaviors, as evidenced by enhanced sophistication in physical exam documentation; it also was associated with improved confidence in certain aspects of chronic pain management.

Mindfulness for Chronic Low Back Pain: A Qualitative Analysis.

Objective: Mindfulness is a nonpharmacologic mind-body therapy that has been shown to be effective in older adults with chronic low back pain (cLBP). There are few first-person accounts in the literature that describe the older adult experience and perspective while learning mindfulness and meditation to treat pain. The objective of this study was to investigate dominant themes present in the experiences of older adults applying mindfulness and meditation to cope with cLBP. Design: Qualitative analysis of four focus groups. Subject: Twenty-five adults age 65 years or older who had completed an eight-week mindfulness program. Methods: The focus groups met for a comprehensive discussion session about their experience with mindfulness and meditation. The audio for each session was recorded, and the discussions were transcribed. Codebook development, qualitative coding, and thematic analysis were performed. The coders each coded all four transcripts, following which they met to adjudicate all coding differences until they were in complete agreement on coding. Results: Several key themes were brought up by older adults utilizing mindfulness as a means of coping with pain, which included overcoming fear of pain ("Before [learning mindfulness], I used to dread pain"), pain awareness ("You're focusing more on being aware than the pain; now that's what helps me"), and pain significance ("It becomes insignificant"). Conclusions: The themes identify several ways mindfulness impacts older adults with cLBP, including decreased negative emotions related to chronic pain such as fear of pain, a different perspective or change in awareness about pain, and reducing the significance of pain.

Testing a Positive Psychological Intervention for Osteoarthritis.

OBJECTIVE: Osteoarthritis is a leading cause of disability for which there is no cure. Psychosocial-oriented treatments are underexplored. We developed and tested an intervention to build positive psychological skills (e.g., gratitude) to reduce osteoarthritis symptom severity, including pain and functioning, and to improve psychosocial well-being in patients with knee or hip osteoarthritis. DESIGN: Two-arm randomized design with six-month follow-up. SETTING: An academic Veterans Affairs Medical Center. SUBJECTS: Patients aged 50 years or older with knee or hip osteoarthritis and pain ratings of 4 or higher. METHODS: Patients (N = 42) were randomized to a six-week program containing positive skill-building activities or neutral control activities tailored to the patient population. Adherence was assessed by telephone each week. We assessed osteoarthritis symptom severity (WOMAC Osteoarthritis Index) and measures of well-being (positive affect, negative affect, and life satisfaction) at baseline and by telephone one, three, and six months after the program ended. We used linear mixed models to examine changes over time. RESULTS: The majority (64%) of patients completed more than 80% of their weekly activities. Patients in the positive (vs neutral) program reported significantly more improvement over time in osteoarthritis symptom severity (P = 0.02, Cohen's d = 0.86), negative affect (P = 0.03, Cohen's d = 0.50), and life satisfaction (P = 0.02, Cohen's d = 0.36). CONCLUSIONS: The study successfully engaged patients with knee or hip osteoarthritis in a six-week intervention to build positive psychological skills. Improving osteoarthritis symptom severity and measures of psychosocial well-being, the intervention shows promise as a tool for chronic pain management.

A Systematic Review of Opioid and Benzodiazepine Misuse in Older Adults.

OBJECTIVE: The authors assessed the prevalence of opioid and benzodiazepine prescription drug misuse in older adults, the risk factors associated with misuse, and age-appropriate interventions. METHODS: Following PRISMA guidelines, a literature search of PubMed, PsycINFO, and EMBASE for peer-reviewed journal articles in English through April 2014 with updates through November 2015 was conducted for reports on misuse of prescription benzodiazepines and opioids in older adults. Relevant publications were reviewed that included participants age ≥65 years. Reference lists were manually searched for key identified articles and geriatric journals through April 2016. Information on the study design, sample, intervention, comparators, outcome, time frame, and risk of bias were abstracted for each article. RESULTS: Of 4,932 reviewed reports, 15 were included in this systematic review. Thirteen studies assessed the prevalence of prescription drug misuse and included studies related to opioid shopping behavior, assessment of morbidity and mortality associated with opioid and/or benzodiazepine use, frequency and characteristics of opioid prescribing, frequency of substance use disorders and nonprescription use of pain relievers, and health conditions and experiences of long-term benzodiazepine users. One study identified risk factors for misuse, and one study described the effects of provider education and an electronic support tool as an intervention. CONCLUSION: There is a dearth of high quality research on prescription drug misuse in older adults. Existing studies are heterogeneous, making it difficult to draw broad conclusions. The need for further research specific to prescription drug misuse among older adults is discussed.