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Measuring chronic pain in children, an exploration
J A Hunfeld1, J C van der Wouden, E S den Deuwaarder
1Institute of Medical Psychology and Psychotherapy, Erasmus University Rotterdam, The Netherlands.
Perceptual and Motor Skills
|June 1, 1997
Summary
This study validated pain measurement tools for children with chronic pain. A one-week pain diary is sufficient for tracking pain intensity in pediatric chronic limb pain patients.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Pain Management
- Clinical Measurement Validation
Background:
- Chronic pain affects numerous children, necessitating reliable measurement tools.
- Assessing pain intensity in pediatric populations presents unique challenges.
- Existing pain instruments require validation for specific pediatric conditions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the feasibility and validity of pain instruments for pediatric chronic pain.
- To determine the optimal duration for pain diary registration in children.
- To assess pain measurement in children with chronic limb pain.
Main Methods:
- The study involved 13 children undergoing medical treatment for chronic limb pain.
- Pain intensity was measured using a Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) and the Postoperative Pain Measure for Parents (PPMP).
- Data were collected through pain diary registration over a specified period.
Main Results:
- Strong positive correlations were observed between the VAS and PPMP pain scores.
- The feasibility and validity of both instruments were supported in this pediatric cohort.
- A one-week pain diary registration period was found to be adequate for capturing pain intensity.
Conclusions:
- The Visual Analogue Scale and Postoperative Pain Measure for Parents are valid instruments for assessing chronic pain in children.
- A one-week pain diary is sufficient for monitoring pain intensity in pediatric chronic limb pain.
- These findings support the use of validated instruments and optimized diary durations in pediatric pain research.