The Schultz Structured Interview for Assessing Upper Extremity Pain

Abstract

Trauma and disease processes in the upper extremity frequently cause pain as well as impairment in movement, strength and in function. While perception of pain occurs normally in response to bodily insult, prolonged or severe pain may interfere with attempts to maximize physical function and the return the involved person to optimal occupational role. Whether participating as a member on a medical or vocational rehabilitation team, the occupational therapist must adequately assess the area, nature and behavior of pain prior to providing appropriate intervention and recommendations to other team members. A structured interview to assess pain furnishes the therapist with a format for evaluation that is thorough and methodical. The structure and process of the interview allows the therapist to collect subjective information which can be coupled with objective findings from standard upper extremity evaluation and/or observation of task performance. Data gathered will assist the therapist in discovering the etiology of pain, in evaluating the appropriateness of complaints as they relate to pathology and in making appropriate recommendations about the patient's future work roles.