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Visual analog scales for assessing surgical pain
Martin McCarthy1, Chih-Hung Chang, A Simon Pickard
1Department of Preventive Medicine, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA.
Journal of the American College of Surgeons
|July 26, 2005
Summary
The Surgical Pain Scales (SPS) reliably measure operative pain components. These validated scales aid in comparing pain between groups and tracking patient recovery post-surgery.
Area of Science:
- Pain Management
- Surgical Outcomes
- Psychometrics
Background:
- Operative pain assessment requires tools to measure sensory and affective components.
- The Surgical Pain Scales (SPS) were developed to quantify pain at rest, during activities, during exertion, and pain unpleasantness.
Purpose of the Study:
- To establish the reliability, validity, and sensitivity to change of the Surgical Pain Scales (SPS).
- To compare the psychometric properties of the SPS with the SF-36 health status instrument.
Main Methods:
- Longitudinal data from 2,164 patients undergoing hernia repair (laparoscopic vs. open) were analyzed.
- Psychometric properties were assessed using intraclass correlation coefficients, t-tests, and correlations with the SF-36.
Main Results:
- SPS demonstrated high reliability (ICCs 0.95 sensory, 0.94 unpleasantness).
- Validity was supported by correlations with SF-36 bodily pain (0.44-0.60) and significant differences between patient groups.
- Clinical responsiveness was evident, with a 33.5-mm reduction in pain during normal activities for improved patients (p<0.0001).
Conclusions:
- The Surgical Pain Scales exhibit excellent psychometric properties.
- SPS are suitable for comparing pain across groups and monitoring individual patient changes over time.
- SPS facilitate tailored pain management strategies based on sensory and affective ratings.