Acute pain assessment tools: let us move beyond simple pain ratings. Issue 5 (October 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Gordon, Debra B.
• Is Part Of: Current opinion in anaesthesiology. Volume 28:Issue 5(2015:Oct.)
• Publication Date: 2015-10
• Subjects: acute pain -- assessment -- CAPA -- measurement -- tools; Anesthesiology -- Periodicals; Anesthesiology -- Indexes; Anesthesiology -- Periodicals; Review Literature -- Indexes; Review Literature -- Periodicals; Anesthesiology; Periodicals; 617.9605
• DOI: 10.1097/ACO.0000000000000225
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0952-7907

Abstract

Abstract : Purpose of review: This review highlights challenges and current trends in tools used to assess acute pain across the lifespan. Recent findings: A plethora of similar assessment tools exist for acute pain, most focused on self-report of pain intensity. Attempts to improve the frequency and visibility of pain assessment by prompting pain as 'the fifth vital sign' resulted in unintended consequences, creating a pressing need for a conceptual shift to multidimensional assessment of acute pain. Summary: Valid and pragmatic assessment of pain is essential for effective pain management. Unidimensional scales that capture self-reported pain intensity ratings undervalue to the complexity of the pain experience. Pain is a biopsychosocial experience and assessment is a complex social transaction and an exchange of the meaning of pain that demands a more comprehensive approach.