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Measurement of pain
The Surgical Clinics of North America
|June 3, 1999
Summary
Measuring pain is complex, as it is a subjective experience. Patient self-reports, like the McGill Pain Questionnaire (MPQ), offer the most valid pain assessment, alongside behavioral and physiologic measures.
Area of Science:
- Pain research
- Psychometrics
- Clinical assessment
Background:
- Pain is a complex, subjective experience influenced by psychological and cultural factors.
- Accurate pain measurement is crucial for effective treatment and research.
- Existing pain measurement methods include self-report scales, behavioral observations, and physiological responses.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current approaches to pain measurement.
- To highlight the strengths and limitations of various pain assessment tools.
- To emphasize the importance of patient self-reports in pain evaluation.
Main Methods:
- Review of established pain measurement instruments.
- Discussion of psychophysical techniques for pain assessment.
- Evaluation of multidimensional pain assessment tools like the MPQ and DDS.
Main Results:
- Patient self-reports are considered the most valid measure of pain experience.
- The Visual Analog Scale (VAS) and McGill Pain Questionnaire (MPQ) are widely used.
- The Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) scale measures sensory and unpleasantness dimensions.
- Behavioral and physiological measures provide complementary data.
Conclusions:
- Pain measurement is multifaceted, requiring consideration of subjective patient reports.
- Validated tools like the MPQ and DDS enhance the multidimensional assessment of pain.
- Continued refinement of pain measurement techniques will improve accuracy and predictive power.