Comparing Pain Intensity Using the Numeric Rating Scale and Defense and Veterans Pain Rating Scale in Patients...

Area of Science:

• Emergency Medicine
• Pain Management
• Clinical Research

Background:

• Accurate pain assessment is crucial in emergency departments (EDs).
• The Numeric Rating Scale (NRS) and Defense and Veterans Pain Rating Scale (DVPRS) are commonly used pain intensity measures.
• Understanding the relationship between these scales is important for consistent pain management.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the relationship between NRS and DVPRS pain scores.
• To compare pain scores with sociodemographic and treatment data in patients revisiting the ED.
• To evaluate the association of pain scales with opioid administration and treatment.

Main Methods:

• 389 adult patients revisiting the ED within 30 days of an index visit were enrolled.
• Pain scores were classified as mild (0-3), moderate (4-7), and high (8-10).
• Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Wilcoxon rank-sum test, Spearman correlation, and ordinal logistic regression.

Main Results:

• Both NRS and DVPRS showed a positive correlation (p<0.0001).
• Pain severity categories were distributed differently between scales (p=0.0085), with DVPRS showing an 8% decrease in high pain reporting.
• Higher pain scores on both scales were associated with increased opioid administration and discharge (p<0.05).
• Both discharge NRS (OR=3.2) and DVPRS categories (OR=2.7) were associated with ED revisits for pain.

Conclusions:

• A link exists between NRS and opioid medication administration.
• DVPRS may offer better differentiation between moderate and high pain levels in the ED.
• Both scales are associated with ED revisits for pain, highlighting the importance of effective pain management.