Response to Von Baeyer and Jaaniste (2008).

Abstract

In a recent article [1], we introduced a new method for assessing pediatric pain (the Computer Face Scale) in which a child can alter the expression of an animated cartoon face in a graded manner by changing simultaneously the curvature of the mouth from upturned to downturned, and the eyes from open to closed. In their commentary, Von Baeyer and Jaaniste [2] concur with our view regarding the advantages of a computer-based, continuous face scale for assessing pediatric pain. This agreement is not maintained throughout the critique, however, nor is this favorable opinion expressed in an earlier report where the authors state that because their animated face scale does not show any important psychometric advantages over less-expensive paper versions of discrete face scales, it probably will only be used in research [3, p. 18]. In contrast to this position, we see significant clinical advantages to computer face scales that are clearly preferred by children and that also provide an opportunity to automatically store and display data for comparisons …