Differences and similarities between patient and physician perceptions of patient pain

Abstract

A reasonably accurate perception of pain severity by physicians can be a useful tool in effectively managing acute pain. This study measured the similarities and differences between patient and physician ratings of patient pain through the use of a linear analogue scale of pain severity. A total of 401 patients presenting with acute pain of up to seven days' duration were studied. Data were gathered from patients presenting to the seven family practice clinics associated with the Department of Family Practice and Community Health at the University of Minnesota. Whereas the physician mean rating of patient pain was found to be significantly lower than the patient mean rating (3.52 vs. 4.37, P = 0.001), raw ratings by physicians and patients were found to have a relatively strong and significant correlation (R = 0.66, P = 0.001). The difference in mean ratings between patients and physicians remained the same regardless of physician or patient gender, patient age, whether or not a diagnosis was made, organ system category in which the pain was located, or training level of physician. The physician mean ratings were always significantly lower than the patient mean ratings, and there was no significant difference in the mean differences in ratings among the subgroups compared.