Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 4, 2026
A Quantitative Sensory Testing Paradigm to Obtain Measures of Pain Processing in Patients Undergoing Breast Cancer Surgery
Published on: January 18, 2018
Numeric rating scale: patients' perceptions of its use in postoperative pain assessments
Kerstin Eriksson1, Lotta Wikström1, Kristofer Årestedt2
1School of Health Sciences, Jönköping University, Jönköping, Sweden; Department of Anaesthesia and Intensive Care, Ryhov County Hospital, Jönköping, Sweden.
Aim:
The purpose of this study was to describe how patients perceive the use of the numeric rating scale in postoperative pain assessments.
Background:
There are recommendations to use a pain scale to follow patients' postoperative pain. Most patients prefer the NRS but there is a discrepancy between patients and healthcare professionals how to interpret the ratings from the pain assessments.
Methods:
A descriptive design with a phenomenographic approach was used. Semi structured interviews were held with 25 patients.
Results:
Three description categories emerged that illustrate patients' perceptions; use of the NRS facilitated communication of pain, it put demands on healthcare professionals and care routines and it contained interpretation difficulties.
Conclusion:
The NRS has a place in pain management according to the patients but there is a need for a dialogue to give the patients the opportunity to describe their pain and set a common goal.
Related Concept Videos
01:14SBAR II: Application of SBAR
SBAR Report from a Nurse to a Health Care Provider
S: "Hello, Dr. Smith. This is Jane, RN, from the Med Surg unit. I am calling to tell you about Ms. White in Room 210, who is experiencing increased pain and redness at her incision site. Her recent...
01:23Peripheral Artery Disease V: Postoperative Nursing Management