Development of a pictorial scale of pain intensity for patients with communication impairments: initial validation in a general population
Abstract
This study evaluated a new six-point ordinal scale for measuring pain intensity Seventy-two participants aged between 23 and 87 years rated the intensity of ‘present pain’ as well as remembered episodes of ‘severe’ and ‘mild’ pain on the scale of pain intensity (SPIN), a 10 cm visual analogue scale (VAS) and a 0–10 numeric scale, in random order. Retesting followed an intervening assessment. Participants' comments on the scales were analysed thematically. Spearman's correlation between scales all exceeded 0.78 (p<0.001). Test–retest of the SPIN gave percentage agreements (weighted kappa) of present pain 69% (0.83), severe pain 94% (0.94) and mild pain 83% (0.85). Most participants preferred using an ordinal scale to the continuous VAS. Some found numbers easier to use whereas others found the SPIN more helpful. We conclude that the SPIN provides a valid measure of pain intensity in patients fully able to communicate their views and experiences. Investigation in patients with cognitive or communication impairments is now required.
- © 2006 Royal College of Physicians
Article Tools
Citation Manager Formats
Jump to section
Related Articles
- No related articles found.
Cited By...
- Managing painful shoulder after neurological injury
- Managing painful shoulder after neurological injury
- Impact of integrated upper limb spasticity management including botulinum toxin A on patient-centred goal attainment: rationale and protocol for an international prospective, longitudinal cohort study (ULIS-III)
- ESCAPS study protocol: a feasibility randomised controlled trial of 'Early electrical stimulation to the wrist extensors and wrist flexors to prevent the post-stroke complications of pain and contractures in the paretic arm