Numeric rating scale: patients' perceptions of its use in postoperative pain assessments.

Abstract

AIM:

The purpose of this study was to describe how patients perceive the use of the numeric rating scale in postoperative pain assessments.

BACKGROUND:

There are recommendations to use a pain scale to follow patients' postoperative pain. Most patients prefer the NRS but there is a discrepancy between patients and healthcare professionals how to interpret the ratings from the pain assessments.

METHODS:

A descriptive design with a phenomenographic approach was used. Semi structured interviews were held with 25 patients.

RESULTS:

Three description categories emerged that illustrate patients' perceptions; use of the NRS facilitated communication of pain, it put demands on healthcare professionals and care routines and it contained interpretation difficulties.

CONCLUSION:

The NRS has a place in pain management according to the patients but there is a need for a dialogue to give the patients the opportunity to describe their pain and set a common goal.

• Authors: Kerstin Eriksson, Lotta Wikström, Kristofer Årestedt, Bengt Fridlund, Anders Broström
• Journal: Applied nursing research : ANR (Appl Nurs Res) Vol. 27 Issue 1 Pg. 41-6 (Feb 2014) ISSN: 1532-8201 [Electronic] United States
• PMID: 24332467 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)
• Copyright: Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Topics

• Adolescent
• Adult
• Aged
• Aged, 80 and over
• Female
• Humans
• Male
• Middle Aged
• Pain Measurement
• Pain, Postoperative (diagnosis, physiopathology, psychology)
• Young Adult