It is also recommended that future
studies include a follow-up period of 3-6 months to
determine continued use of nondrug treatments after
an educational intervention. This would provide valuable
information on the long-term effects of the nondrug
educational intervention. In addition, other
nondrug approaches, including many complementary
and alternative therapies/practices commonly used
by older adults, should be studied for effect on selfmanagement
of pain. In summary, preliminary data
support use of selected nondrug therapies by rural
older adults, with further study indicated to
support inclusion in community-based pain management
programs.