Measurement of self-reported pain intensity in children and adolescents
Summary:
In "measurement of self-reported pain intensity in children and adolescents"; the authors describe the different methods used to assess pediatric pain intensity and review the commonly used, self reported measurements of pain. The authors compiled the results of several systemic reviews to determine which pain assessment technique would deem most appropriate and accurate.
The author recognizes that accurate pain assessment using reliable measures is of great importance in the healthcare of a child- since pain can be indicative of further complications, and children may be alleviated of pain to avoid discomfort. Whichever the case may be, it is considered important to determine the intensity and source of the pain so the health care team can be knowledgeable of the patients’ condition so the best possible health outcomes and comfort measures may be achieved.
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There were two health-related organizations named Ped-IMMPACT and the Society of Pediatric Psychology who have conducted studies regarding the pain assessment and is where the results of this article has been derived from. Although their methodologies of retrieving there results were different, Both organizations recommend different pain assessment scales for different age groups to provide the most reliable assessment information.
The Society of Pediatric Psychology recommended professionals to use the Pieces of Hurt tool for children between the ages of 4 and 7 years old, the Faces pain Scale-Revised for children aged between 4 and 16 years; and the Oucher scale for children aged between 3 and 12 years old. Out of these three tests, the recommended ages may overlap; this is because for some ages, some tests are proven to be just as reliable as the