Use of the Oucher Numeric and the Word Graphic Scale in children aged 9-14 years with post-operative pain

Abstract

• The construct validity and clinical applicability of two self-report scales, the Oucher Numeric and the Word Graphic Scales, were examined in this study. Construct validity was tested on the assumption that pain declines following the administration of analgesia. • Eighty-one children aged between nine and 14 years with post-operative pain used the two scales before and for each of the 4 hours following the administration of analgesia, to report their intensity of pain. The method used for testing construct validity was a replication of the study conducted by Aradine et al. (1988; Children’s pain perception before and after analgesia: a study of instrument construct validity and related issues. Journal of Pediatric Nursing 3 (1), 11–23) to test the construct validity of the Oucher Scale. Construct validity was supported for both the scales. • Twenty-eight nurses who administered the scales and the parents of 45 children who had observed their children use the scales, commented on the usefulness of the scales in assessment of pain during hospitalization. • A majority of children and nurses preferred the Oucher Numeric, whereas the Word Graphic Scale was preferred by a majority of the parents. • Preference of scale was based on its ease of use and whether the child preferred to use numbers or words to describe the intensity of pain. • A majority of the children and nurses and all parents believed that a self-report scale was useful for assessment and communication of children’s pain following surgery.