Psychometric Properties of Pain Scales in Inpatient Settings: An Umbrella Review

To identify the pain assessment scales with the best psychometric properties to be used by nurses in an inpatient setting.

Umbrella review.

A comprehensive search of four databases was conducted for systematic reviews published from July 2013 to November 2024, focusing on psychometric properties of pain scales used in inpatient settings. Inclusion criteria required scales to assess subjective or behavioural pain and be nurse-administered, while reviews without detailed psychometric data were excluded. Screening, quality appraisal (JBI checklist), and data extraction were performed independently by two researchers. Data synthesis combined qualitative and quantitative approaches, with psychometric properties evaluated using the COSMIN checklist. The study was reported in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Overviews of Reviews (PRIOR) statement.

Seventeen articles met the inclusion criteria, identifying 41 scales used across various patient populations, including critical care, paediatric, postoperative, cancer, cerebral palsy, disorders of consciousness, low back and neck pain, stroke and verbal communication disorders. The Paediatric Pain Profile, the Breakthrough Pain Assessment Tool and the Questionnaire on Pain caused by Spasticity demonstrated adequate psychometric properties, although the positive findings for the latter two should be confirmed by at least one additional study. Most of the scales (n = 36) require further studies to validate their use in clinical practice. For two scales, their clinical use remains questionable.

The Paediatric Pain Profile, the Breakthrough Pain Assessment Tool, and the Questionnaire on Pain caused by Spasticity can be recommended for use. Unidimensional scales should complement, rather than replace, multidimensional scales to ensure a comprehensive pain assessment. Standardising documentation with validated scales enhances clinical decision-making, care quality, research usability, and reduces documentation burden.