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The short-form McGill Pain Questionnaire
1Department of Psychology, McGill University, Montreal, Que. H3A 1B1 Canada.
Abstract:
A short form of the McGill Pain Questionnaire (SF-MPQ) has been developed. The main component of the SF-MPQ consists of 15 descriptors (11 sensory; 4 affective) which are rated on an intensity scale as 0 = none, 1 = mild, 2 = moderate or 3 = severe. Three pain scores are derived from the sum of the intensity rank values of the words chosen for sensory, affective and total descriptors. The SF-MPQ also includes the Present Pain Intensity (PPI) index of the standard MPQ and a visual analogue scale (VAS). The SF-MPQ scores obtained from patients in post-surgical and obstetrical wards and physiotherapy and dental departments were compared to the scores obtained with the standard MPQ. The correlations were consistently high and significant. The SF-MPQ was also shown to be sufficiently sensitive to demonstrate differences due to treatment at statistical levels comparable to those obtained with the standard form. The SF-MPQ shows promise as a useful tool in situations in which the standard MPQ takes too long to administer, yet qualitative information is desired and the PPI and VAS are inadequate.
Insights
A new short form of the McGill Pain Questionnaire (SF-MPQ) effectively measures pain intensity. This validated tool provides reliable sensory and affective pain scores, comparable to the standard MPQ, for quicker assessments.
Area of Science:
- Pain Research
- Psychometrics
- Clinical Assessment
Background:
- The standard McGill Pain Questionnaire (MPQ) is a comprehensive tool for pain assessment.
- However, its length can be a limitation in certain clinical settings.
- A need exists for a shorter, yet valid, pain assessment instrument.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and validate a short form of the McGill Pain Questionnaire (SF-MPQ).
- To assess the SF-MPQ's reliability and sensitivity in comparison to the standard MPQ.
- To determine the SF-MPQ's utility in clinical environments requiring efficient pain measurement.
Main Methods:
- Development of the SF-MPQ with 15 pain descriptors (11 sensory, 4 affective) rated on an intensity scale.
- Derivation of sensory, affective, and total pain scores.
- Inclusion of the Present Pain Intensity (PPI) index and visual analogue scale (VAS).
- Comparison of SF-MPQ scores with standard MPQ scores in post-surgical, obstetrical, physiotherapy, and dental patients.
Main Results:
- High and significant correlations were observed between SF-MPQ and standard MPQ scores.
- The SF-MPQ demonstrated sufficient sensitivity to detect treatment differences.
- Statistical significance levels were comparable to those achieved with the standard MPQ.
- The SF-MPQ proved effective in various clinical departments.
Conclusions:
- The short form of the McGill Pain Questionnaire (SF-MPQ) is a valid and reliable pain assessment tool.
- It offers a time-efficient alternative to the standard MPQ when qualitative pain information is needed.
- The SF-MPQ is suitable for clinical settings where the standard MPQ is too lengthy.
- It complements the PPI and VAS for comprehensive pain evaluation.
