Pain scale
A pain scale measures a patient's pain intensity or other features. Pain scales are based on self-report, observational (behavioral), or physiological data. Self-report is considered primary and should be obtained if possible. Pain scales are available for neonates, infants, children, adolescents, adults, seniors, and persons whose communication is impaired. Pain assessments are often regarded as "the 5th Vital Sign."
Partial list of pain measurement scales
Alder Hey Triage Pain Score
Behavioral Pain Scale (BPS)
Brief Pain Inventory (BPI)
Checklist of Nonverbal Pain Indicators (CNPI)
Clinical Global Impression (CGI)
Critical-Care Pain Observation Tool (CPOT)
COMFORT scale
Dallas Pain Questionnaire
Descriptor differential scale (DDS)
Dolorimeter Pain Index (DPI)
Edmonton Symptom Assessment System
Faces Pain Scale - Revised (FPS-R)
Face Legs Activity Cry Consolability scale
Lequesne algofunctional index: a composite measure of pain and disability, with separate self-report questionnaires for hip and knee OA (osteoarthritis):
- Original index (1987)
- 1991 revision
- 1997 revision