A review of pain measures for hospitalized children with cognitive impairment
Authors:
Crosta, Q. R., Ward, T. M., Walker, A. J., and Peters, L. M.
Abstract:
PURPOSE: The aims of this review were to examine pain measures for hospitalized children with cognitive impairment who are unable to self-report and to describe the best available evidence for their clinical utility in acute care settings.
DESIGN AND METHODS: Electronic searches to identify published evidence were conducted and studies reviewed. Reported psychometrics and feasibility of the Non-Communicating Child's Pain Checklist-Postoperative Version, Individualized Numeric Rating scale, Pediatric Pain Profile, and revised Face, Leg, Activity, Cry, and Consolability scale were examined.
CONCLUSIONS: These four measures have established validity and reliability. However, clinical utility findings varied.
PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS: The revised Face, Leg, Activity, Cry, and Consolability scale has demonstrated feasibility in acute care settings related to ease of use, time requirements, and flexibility regarding caregiver input.