A new analogue scale for assessing children's pain: an initial validation study

摘要: A new instrument was designed to provide a practical clinical measure for assessing children's pain intensity and affect. The pocket size includes Coloured Analogue Scale (CAS) assess facial affective scale the aversive component of pain. Both scales have numerical ratings on back, so that person administering it can quickly note numbers represent child's This study conducted determine validity by evaluating psychophysical properties discriminant scales. Since visual analogue (VAS) are valid reliable measures pain, ability use analog compared with their performance VAS. Children's rate affect using an scale, in which 9 faces Facial Affective (FAS) presented ordered sequence from least most distressed, original FAS, same were random order. Using parallel groups design, 104 children (5-16 years; 60 female, 44 male; 51 healthy 53 recurrent headaches) randomized into two groups: CAS or Children used assigned complete calibration task, they rated sizes 7 circles varying area (491, 804, 1385, 2923, 3848, 5675 7854 mm2). function relating perceived circle actual physical determined VAS responses task yielded similar mathematical relationships: psi cas = 0.035I0.87, vas 0.027I0.89, where magnitude I stimulus intensity. R2 values 0.921 0.922 groups, respectively. Analyses covariance revealed no significant differences characteristics these relationships, i.e., R2, slope, y intercept, type. Pain Inventory (CPI), 16 painful events (varying nature extent tissue damage). CPI similar. indicated there either However, mean number experienced increased significantly age (P 0.0001). Intensity decreased 0.002), but did not vary age. has equivalent psychometric 165 mm as easier administer score than VAS, may be more routine use. fulfilled first criteria (psychophysical validity), is ethical proceed formal definitive test construct validity, various populations own