Learning Objectives:

1. Recognize the scope of undermanagement of pain in the elderly population.

2. Determine negligent pain management when conducting chart reviews.

Undermanagement of pain in the elderly, particularly in long term care facilities, has reached public health reportable proportions. Understaffing and significant knowledge deficits in professional and assistive personnel are two key elements in this scenario. The speaker will discuss the negligent under-management of pain and the morbidity of mismanagement of pain in an elderly population. Ms. Wacker will present case studies from her experience as a plaintiff expert witness and help attendees recognize the early signs of negligence in chart reviews.