PAIN SCORES SHOW NO MONOTONIC UPWARD OR DOWNWARD TREND OVER TIME

作者:Lovett Paris B*; Jerusik Brian C; Bernard Stephanie L; Randolph Frederick T; Mathew Rex G
来源:Journal of Emergency Medicine, 2014, 47(4): 479-485.
DOI:10.1016/j.jemermed.2013.11.076

摘要

Background: Self-reported pain scales are commonly used in emergency departments (EDs). The 11-point (0-10) numerical rating scale is a commonly used scale for adults visiting EDs in the United States. Despite their widespread use, little is known about whether distribution of pain scores has remained consistent over time. Objectives: The objective of this study is to determine if there were upwards or downwards (monotonic) trends in pain scores over time at a single hospital. Methods: Retrospective chart review for the years 2003-2011. All pain scores for May 1 st and 2 nd of those years were collected. Multinomial logistic regression was used to model the probability of a patient rating their pain in each of 11 categories (scores 0 to 10) as a function of the calendar year. Additional analysis was carried out with pain scores grouped into four categories. Results: Data were collected from 2934 patient charts. Pain scores were recorded in 2136 charts, and 1637 of these pain scores were above zero (i. e., 1-10). The pain score distribution differed significantly over time (p = 0.001); however, there was no monotonic (single-direction) trend. Conclusion: Although there were significant shifts in pain scores over time, there is not a significant monotonic trend. At this hospital, there was no `` inflation%26apos;%26apos; or `` deflation%26apos;%26apos; in pain scores over time. Shifts in distribution, even when not in a single direction, may be important for researchers examining pain scores in the ED.

  • 出版日期2014-10

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