Create a clinically relevant research question using the PICOT format, either based on an Approved PICOt/Clinical Topic for Capstone or the topic of your choice. How did you arrive at this topic and question? Why is it important? We will be developing it via the Discussion Board. It must be approved before the end of the week either in the Discussion Board or via email so you can continue to next week’s assignment, Part 1: Introduction and Problem Statement. Initial Post:
The topic I have chosen for my research question is the use of telehealth interventions in managing chronic pain in elderly patients. The PICOT format for my research question is as follows:
P: Elderly patients with chronic pain
I: Telehealth interventions
C: Standard care or in-person interventions
O: Pain management
T: Within a span of 6 months
I arrived at this topic and question through a combination of personal interest and recognition of the growing use of telehealth in healthcare delivery. Chronic pain is a prevalent issue among the elderly population, and it often requires ongoing management. Telehealth interventions, such as video consultations and remote monitoring, have the potential to improve access to care, extend the reach of healthcare providers, and enhance patient outcomes.
This topic is important for several reasons. Firstly, the elderly population is rapidly growing, and this demographic experiences a higher prevalence of chronic pain compared to younger individuals. As a result, there is a significant need to explore novel interventions that can effectively manage pain in this population. Secondly, telehealth has gained prominence as a means of providing healthcare services, particularly in rural or underserved areas. It has the potential to overcome barriers to access such as transportation issues, mobility limitations, and caregiver availability.
By investigating the use of telehealth interventions in managing chronic pain in elderly patients, we have the opportunity to gather evidence on the effectiveness and feasibility of this approach. This research could inform healthcare providers, policymakers, and administrators about the potential benefits and limitations of incorporating telehealth into pain management strategies for the growing elderly population. Additionally, understanding the experiences and perceptions of elderly patients regarding telehealth interventions for pain management can help identify barriers and facilitators to implementation.
The research question aligns with the goals of my capstone project, which aims to explore innovative approaches to improve pain management in elderly patients. By using telehealth, we can potentially enhance access to care, reduce healthcare costs, and empower patients to actively participate in their pain management. This research may also contribute to the advancement of telehealth as a viable and effective option for managing chronic pain in the elderly population.
To develop the research question, I conducted a literature review to gather relevant information on telehealth interventions in pain management and the challenges faced by elderly patients. The review highlighted a gap in the literature regarding the specific use of telehealth in managing chronic pain in the elderly population. Existing studies have primarily focused on telehealth interventions for acute pain or specific conditions, such as post-surgical pain or cancer-related pain.
Based on this gap, the research question was formulated to address the effectiveness of telehealth interventions for managing chronic pain in elderly patients. The comparison with standard care or in-person interventions provides a benchmark to assess the impact of telehealth on pain management outcomes. The specified timeframe of 6 months allows for an evaluation of the longer-term effects of telehealth interventions and their sustainability.
In conclusion, the research question aims to investigate the use of telehealth interventions in managing chronic pain in elderly patients. The topic is important due to the increasing elderly population, high prevalence of chronic pain, and the potential of telehealth to address barriers to care. By gaining evidence on the effectiveness and feasibility of telehealth for pain management, this research can contribute to improving outcomes for elderly patients and inform the implementation of telehealth interventions in healthcare settings.