The perception and expression of pain is impacted by a number of patient characteristics including age, gender and ethnicity. It is important for family physician to recognize these influences and understand how to elicit information to effectively diagnose and treat pain across the patient continuum. In addition, physician factors such as attitudes, beliefs, and expectations with regard to pain management can influence care in these populations.

Disparities in Care: Special Populations in Pain Management, the fourth activity in the AAFPlearninglink.org Chronic Pain series will provide insight into how age, gender and ethnicity impact the diagnosis and management of pain and discuss specific tools and strategies to facilitate pain management in these patient populations.

Learning Objectives:

• Recognize that certain patient populations may experience pain differently
• Recognize that certain populations are underserved with regard to pain management
• Describe population-based differences in pain perception, expression, response to treatment and pathophysiology
• Identify external barriers to effective pain management in these populations
• Apply this knowledge to improve pain management in these populations