Abstract
Osteoarthritis is expected to affect approximately 72 million older adults by the year 2030. It is one of the top causes of disability, mobility problems, and chronic pain among older adults. With so many individuals affected, it is important to identify how to effectively manage the pain associated with osteoarthritis. The purpose of the present investigation was to determine the factors and knowledge critical to the successful management of osteoarthritis pain and to evaluate the management tools currently available to the general public. We conducted structured interviews with three subject matter experts (SMEs). The interviews identified critical variables in pain management, such as physical activity, mood, and medication taking behavior, as well as common misconceptions about pain management held by many older adults. In addition, we assessed the usability of available pain management tools with six older adults and conducted a heuristic analysis of several additional pain management tools available on the market. All of the tools reviewed were found to be lacking in several key areas, such as failing to include critical variables and difficulty integrating the data collected into a meaningful representation of one’s pain experience. Resolving these issues will improve the quality of life for individuals suffering from osteoarthritis.
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