Grant: Planning and Dissemination Grant - Institute Community Support

Poor blood circulation in the leg is common and affects one in 5 older persons in Canada. Leg pain due to poor circulation, also known as ischemic leg pain, is one of the most distressing and poorly managed symptoms. People with ischemic pain often require a range of strategies and specialist treatments including surgery, pain medication, exercise, diet changes, and psychosocial interventions. However, these strategies are not always accessible, effective, or safe for older persons because of the physiological changes associated with aging process. There is inadequate information to guide healthcare providers in caring for older adults with ischemic leg pain. In this project, the research team will initially summarize and compare key recommendations about treatment options and management strategies from existing review papers and guidelines. Following the review of evidence, we will bring together a larger group of experts who represent the research community, professional organizations, patient advocacy groups, and policy makers across Canada for a two-day meeting. The review of management strategies identified by the research team will be used as a starting point for the discussions, and the group will tailor the recommendations to the care of these older adults. Through discussion and a process of voting, the group will agree on the most appropriate solutions, and create a consensus document to guide health professionals in both providing better pain management and improving the quality of life of older adults affected by leg circulation problems. The consensus document will be shared widely in an effort to provide much-needed guidance in the care of older adults with ischemic leg pain. Platforms such as scientific conferences and scientific journals, family health clinics, clinics for the care of circulation diseases, and social media will be used. An online portal will also be set up to allow free download of the consensus document.