Assessment and management of pain in the home care setting: application of Rogers' science of unitary human beings

A mini-review: Bridging the gap between autism spectrum disorder and pain comorbidities

Background

Pain is a complex neurobiological response with a multitude of causes; however, patients with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) often report chronic pain with no known etiology. Recent research has been aimed toward identifying the causal mechanisms of pain in mouse and human models of ASD. In recent years, efforts have been made to better document and explore secondary phenotypes observed in ASD patients in the clinic. As new sequencing studies have become more powered with larger cohorts within ASD, specific genes and their variants are often left uncharacterized or validated. In this review we highlight ASD risk genes often presented with pain comorbidities.

Aims

This mini-review bridges the gap between two fields of literature, neurodevelopmental disorders and pain research. We discuss the importance of the genetic landscape of ASD and its links to pain phenotypes.

Results

Among the numerous genes implicated in ASD, few have been implicated with varying severities of pain comorbidity. Mutations in these genes, such as SCN9A, SHANK3, and CNTNAP2, lead to altered neuronal function that produce different responses to pain, shown in both mouse and human models.

Conclusion

There is a necessity to use new technologies to advance the current understanding of ASD risk genes and their contributions to pain. Secondly, there is a need to power future ASD risk genes associated with pain with their own cohort, because a better understanding is needed of this subpopulation.

Pain management in home care

OBJECTIVES

To provide an overview of pain management of the cancer patient in the home setting, including assessment, planning and implementation of care and evaluation if interventions.

DATA SOURCES

Review articles, research studies, and book chapters pertaining to pain management.

CONCLUSION

A major concern of cancer patients and caregivers is their ability to control the pain at home. With competent, consistent care, 24-hour access, and working in collaboration with other healthcare professionals, nurses can be a decisive force in maintaining patient, comfort, supporting and educating the patient and caregiver at home and preventing rehospitalization for pain control.

IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING PRACTICE

The goal of achieving effective pain control is one of the greatest challenges facing the home, care nurse. Meeting this challenge can decrease patients' suffering and relieve caregivers' stress.