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Internet technology holds potential as a valuable educational tool, but several challenges continue to impede its use. This article describes the use of a web-based course to educate staff nurses regarding evidence-based acute pain management practices for older adults. Specific areas highlighted include: the steps involved in creating the web-based course; the materials and support required to disseminate the course; the challenges encountered in promoting use of the course; and responses to and evaluations of the course. The authors' experiences provide knowledge to assist other healthcare professionals on the use of a web-based course to educate staff nurses.

Research tabulating the existence and effects of pain and related factors in the elderly is lacking, in spite of the continued growth of the aged population. Leg pain, in particular, may interfere with activities and interpersonal interactions. This study of 3,097 rural elderly examines the prevalence of complaints of leg pain and related factors in a geographically-defined population. Findings indicate that leg pain is clearly a common experience which impacts daily activities of the elderly.