Deficits in pain medication in older adults with chronic pain receiving home care: A cross-sectional study in Germany.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the pattern and appropriateness of pain medications in older adults receiving home care. METHODS: We performed a prospective cross-sectional study in patients >/=65 years old having chronic pain and receiving home care in Berlin, Germany. Data on prescribed pain medications were collected using self-reported information, nursing documents, and medication plans during interviews at home. Pain intensity was determined with the numeric rating scale (NRS) and the Pain Assessment In Advanced dementia (PAINAD) scale. The Pain Medication Appropriateness Scale score (SPMAS) was applied to evaluate inappropriateness (i.e. a score