Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 17, 2026

A Protocol of Manual Tests to Measure Sensation and Pain in Humans
Published on: December 19, 2016
Pain in U.S. nursing homes: validating a pain scale for the minimum data set
B E Fries1, S E Simon, J N Morris
1Institute of Gerontology and School of Public Health, University of Michigan, and Ann Arbor VA Medical Center, 48109-2007, USA. bfries@umich.edu
Purpose:
The aim of this study was to validate a pain scale for the Minimum Data Set (MDS) assessment instrument and examine prevalence of pain in major nursing home subpopulations, including type of admission and cognitive status.
Design And Methods:
This study considered validation of the MDS pain items and derivation of scale performed against the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), using Automatic Interaction Detection. The derivation data describe 95 postacute care nursing home patients who are able to communicate. The scale is then used in retrospective analysis of 34,675 Michigan nursing home residents.
Results:
A four-group scale was highly predictive of VAS pain scores (variance explanation 56%) and therefore quite valid in detecting pain. In the prevalence sample, only 47% of postacute patients compared to 63% of postadmission patients reported no pain, and these percentages rose with increasing cognitive impairment.
Implications:
Pain is prevalent in nursing home residents, especially in those with cognitive dysfunction, and often untreated.
Related Concept Videos
Nursing Assessment
The nurse collects all aspects of the patient's health in the initial assessment, establishing priorities for ongoing focused assessments and...
Data Validation
Nursing assessment guides are generally based on holistic models rather than medical...
Guidelines for Nursing Documentation I
Factual:
The following points emphasize the significance of upholding accurate and unbiased documentation in healthcare.
Guidelines for Nursing Documentation II
Timely documentation is crucial to ensure continuity of care for patients. Any delays in recording or reporting medical information can result in medical errors and even adverse patient outcomes. From medication administration to diagnostic test results, every detail must be accurately and promptly documented to provide the best possible care for patients.
Documentation in Long-Term and Home Healthcare Setting
Long-Term Care Facilities
Peripheral Artery Disease IV: Nursing Management

