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.

Keywords: Pain assessment; Pain scale; Patients' perceptions; Postoperative pain.