The Efficacy of an Older Adults’ Pain Management Programme (OASIS PMP) – Four Years Since Inception

Background: The prevalence of chronic pain increases with age, rising from 12% among adults aged 16–24 years to 40% among those aged 75 years and over (NHS England, 2026). Despite this, chronic pain in older adults remains poorly treated (Tracy & Morrison, 2013). Barriers include misconceptions that pain is a part of ageing and medication-related side effects. Poorly managed pain contributes to social isolation, reduced mobility, and functional decline (British Geriatrics Society, 2025). We developed a specialist older adult pain management programme (Oasis) to improve accessibility, engagement, peer support, and address age-related needs

Aims: To evaluate the effectiveness of a specialist pain management programme (PMP) tailored for older adults.

Method: Between June 2021 and October 2025, 137 patients were assessed by the multidisciplinary team (MDT) as suitable. Eighty-eight patients completed the programme (female:male = 59:29) with complete datasets; mean age was 73 years (SD = 5.7) and mean pain duration was 79 months. Outcomes were measured pre-PMP, post-PMP, and at 6-month follow-up comprising self-reported pain intensity, distress, catastrophising and acceptance, depression, self-efficacy, fear of movement, objective physical functioning, and occupational therapy goal attainment. Anonymous patient feedback was also collected.

Results: Paired-samples t-tests (n = 88) demonstrated significant (>p=0.05) improvements in pain catastrophising (ES = 0.73), self-efficacy (ES = 1.05), depression (ES = 0.52), pain acceptance (ES = 1.04), fear of movement (ES = 0.68), goal progress (ES = 1.79), and physical functioning (ES = 0.81). Ninety-five percent of participants were likely or extremely likely to recommend the programme, with physiotherapy sessions receiving particularly positive feedback.

Conclusion: A multidisciplinary PMP designed specifically for older adults improves psychological and physical functioning. High patient satisfaction suggests that a specialist programme addresses the unique needs of this population. Further research with larger samples and longer-term follow-up is warranted.