Article
Anesthesiology
Pramote Euasobhon, Raviwon Atisook, Kulsiri Bumrungchatudom, Nantthasorn Zinboonyahgoon, Nattha Saisavoey, Mark P. P. Jensen
Summary: This study examined the stability and validity of four commonly used pain intensity scales (VAS, VRS-6, NRS-11, FPS-R). The results showed that NRS-11 and VAS had better test-retest stability, and NRS-11 demonstrated the highest sensitivity. FPS-R could be considered as an alternative for individuals who may have difficulty understanding or using NRS-11.
Article
Anesthesiology
R. A. Moore, P. R. D. Clephas, S. Straube, M. M. Wertli, J. Ireson-Paige, M. Heesen
Summary: Assessment scales for pain intensity are crucial in evaluating postoperative pain. Our study determined the cut points between mild and moderate pain as 35 mm on a visual analogue scale, and between moderate and severe pain as 80 mm. We found that around 1 in 8 pain scores showed category disagreements, potentially leading to inaccurate pain reporting.
Article
Dermatology
Emily Strzok, Sheila M. F. Torres, Sandra N. Koch, Aaron K. Rendahl
Summary: The study validated the 0-10 numeric scale for assessing canine pruritus and found that it is a reliable tool. However, it is not interchangeable with the pruritus Visual Analog Scale (pVAS). Clients showed a preference for using pVAS for evaluation.
VETERINARY DERMATOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Anesthesiology
L. Goudman, J. G. Pilitsis, B. Billet, R. De Vos, K. Hanssens, M. Billot, M. Roulaud, P. Rigoard, M. Moens
Summary: This study examines the interchangeability of numerical rating scale and visual analogue scale in adults with chronic pain, and finds differences and lack of sufficient agreement between the two scales in measuring pain intensity.
Article
Clinical Neurology
Raviwon Atisook, Pramote Euasobhon, Arunee Saengsanon, Mark P. Jensen
Summary: The study evaluated four commonly used measures of pain intensity in Thai patients with chronic pain, finding NRS-11 to be the most useful in the sample and suggesting that FPS-R might be most suitable for cross-cultural and international research based on comparisons with findings from other countries. Further research in developing countries is needed to assess the generalizability of the current findings.
JOURNAL OF PAIN RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Ophthalmology
Jyoti Khadka, Paul G. Schoneveld, Konrad Pesudovs
Summary: The study compared the psychometric properties of Keratoconus Outcome Research Questionnaire (KORQ) when using verbal rating scale (VRS) and visual analogue scale (VAS) through Rasch analysis. Results showed that using VRS demonstrated better measurement precision and less measurement noise with no misfitting items, while the VAS scale had serious issues that required collapsing categories to achieve ordering. This study highlights the advantages of using verbal rating scales over visual analogue scales for patient-reported outcome measurement.
OPHTHALMIC AND PHYSIOLOGICAL OPTICS
(2022)
Review
Dermatology
Panayiota Govas, Andrea Ketchum, Rashek Kazi, Beth R. Gordon, Bryan T. Carroll
Summary: This systematic review examined pain measurement tools for acute pain in dermatologic surgery and concluded that the numeric rating scale (NRS) is the most applicable tool due to its preferred choice by patients and providers, lowest failure rates, and highest number of recommendations from study authors.
DERMATOLOGIC SURGERY
(2022)
Review
Anesthesiology
Shirin Modarresi, Michael J. Lukacs, Maryam Ghodrati, Shahan Salim, Joy C. MacDermid, David M. Walton
Summary: This study conducted a systematic review of the measurement properties of the Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS) and the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) as patient-reported outcome measures in neck pain research. The results showed that the NPRS and VAS have good-to-excellent test-retest reliability, clinically important differences, and moderate associations with the Neck Disability Index. However, further research is needed to determine the extent to which these measures reflect outcomes that are important to patients.
CLINICAL JOURNAL OF PAIN
(2022)
Article
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Robin M. Pokrzywinski, Ahmed M. Soliman, Michael C. Snabes, Jun Chen, Hugh S. Taylor, Karin S. Coyne
Summary: The study demonstrated the utility and responsiveness of separate numerical rating scales for assessing worst pain in women with moderate to severe endometriosis-associated pain, and identified initial thresholds for clinically meaningful change.
FERTILITY AND STERILITY
(2021)
Article
Dentistry, Oral Surgery & Medicine
Kanamarlapudi Venkata Saikiran, Sainath Reddy Elicherla, Somisetty Venkata Mahalakshmi Mounika, Raichurkar Hemanth Kumar, Purna Sai Prasad Kolavali, Sivakumar Nuvvula
Summary: This study aims to validate and compare a new emoji pain assessment scale with FPS R and WBFPS in assessing dental pain experienced by children. The results show a strong correlation between the new emoji pain scale and both WBFPS and FPS R, and 81.6% of the children preferred the new emoji pain scale.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PAEDIATRIC DENTISTRY
(2023)
Article
Food Science & Technology
Sukanya Wichchukit, Sean LaFond, Michael O'Mahony
Summary: The study found that subjects performed significantly better using the rank-rating protocol than the serial monadic protocol when evaluating their ability to use numerical scales. Penalization occurred when using 9-point scales, due to insufficient categories to represent the heights of all 12 columns, introducing the concept of 'sufficient space'.
FOOD RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL
(2021)
Article
Emergency Medicine
Lisa Schweizer, Robert Sieber, Christian H. Nickel, Bruno Minotti
Summary: Pain is a common reason for visiting the emergency department. This study aimed to investigate the association between pain scores and the desire for pain medication. The results revealed a discrepancy between pain scores and the desire for pain medication.
AMERICAN JOURNAL OF EMERGENCY MEDICINE
(2022)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Ho-Jin Lee, Yongjung Cho, Hyundeok Joo, Jae Yeong Jeon, Young-Eun Jang, Jin-Tae Kim
Summary: In this study, the verbal rating scale (VRS) and numeric rating scale (NRS) showed a high correlation in assessing pain intensity among postsurgical patients in the PACU, with a fair strength of agreement in inter-scale reliability. VRS had a higher response rate compared to NRS, indicating that VRS is a reasonable and practical pain assessment tool for postsurgical patients in the PACU.
Article
Rheumatology
Weiyu Ye, Simon Hackett, Claire Vandevelde, Sarah Twigg, Philip S. Helliwell, Laura C. Coates
Summary: In patients with PsA, there is reasonable agreement between the VAS and NRS in evaluating key patient-reported outcomes. Results from both scales are correlated with disease severity and life impact.
JOURNAL OF RHEUMATOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Marjoleine D. Louwerse, Wouter J. K. Hehenkamp, Paul J. M. van Kesteren, Birgit Lissenberg, Hans A. M. Brolmann, Judith A. F. Huirne
Summary: This study aimed to compare pain measured with a Continuous Pain Score Meter and Verbal Rating Scale during gynaecological procedures, and to correlate the outcomes with baseline anxiety and patient tolerance to the procedure. The majority of patients were able to use the Continuous Pain Score Meter correctly, and the peak pain score had the strongest correlation with subjective pain assessment.
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF OBSTETRICS & GYNECOLOGY AND REPRODUCTIVE BIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Anesthesiology
Morena Shkodra, Cinzia Brunelli, Ernesto Zecca, Fabio Formaglio, Paola Bracchi, Silvia Lo Dico, Mariangela Caputo, Stein Kaasa, Augusto Caraceni
Summary: The study highlights the lack of standardized clinical diagnosis for Neuropathic cancer pain (NcP), leading to disagreements in classification among clinicians. Discordance was particularly high for specific pain syndromes.
Article
Oncology
Marco Fiore, Augusto Caraceni, Alessandro Gronchi
ANNALS OF SURGICAL ONCOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Oncology
Sara Alfieri, Cinzia Brunelli, Giuseppe Capri, Augusto Caraceni, Giulia V. Bianchi, Claudia Borreani
Summary: The study aims to understand the needs of patients with metastatic breast cancer, and identified four themes through thematic analysis: the need for clinical recognition, more attention from healthcare professionals, more and better services available at the hospital, and specific public health policies. The findings suggest that changes in attitudes and multidisciplinary practices are needed to meet these needs in the metastatic phase of breast cancer.
JOURNAL OF CANCER EDUCATION
(2022)
Article
Oncology
Stefano De Santis, Maria Domenica Simone, Sebastiano Mercadante, Rocco Domenico Mediati, Renato Vellucci, Paolo Marchetti, Giuseppe Tonini, Arturo Cuomo, Augusto Caraceni, Silvia Natoli, Grazia Armento, Livio Blasi, Massimo Mammucari
Summary: This study evaluated the effectiveness of the immediate-release fixed combination of oxycodone/acetaminophen for cancer patients with background and breakthrough pain. The results showed that the combination provided adequate analgesia for moderate-severe background cancer pain. The characteristics of breakthrough cancer pain differed between the two groups, with group A showing lower intensity and faster onset compared to group B.
CANCER MANAGEMENT AND RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Oncology
A. M. Frezza, A. Napolitano, R. Miceli, G. Badalamenti, A. Brunello, C. Buonomenna, P. G. Casali, A. Caraceni, G. Grignani, A. Gronchi, G. Infante, C. Morosi, L. Saita, N. Simeone, N. Zaffaroni, B. Vincenzi, S. Stacchiotti
Summary: This multicentric, retrospective study investigated clinical features and possible prognostic relevance in advanced EHE patients on surveillance. Symptoms like tumor-related pain, temperature, fatigue, and serosal effusion were associated with progression-free survival and overall survival, suggesting upfront treatment in this subgroup could be beneficial.
Review
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Roberto De Giorgio, Furio Massimino Zucco, Giuseppe Chiarioni, Sebastiano Mercadante, Enrico Stefano Corazziari, Augusto Caraceni, Patrizio Odetti, Raffaele Giusti, Franco Marinangeli, Carmine Pinto
Summary: The prescribing and use of opioid analgesics are increasing in Italy due to a wider variety of available products and the prevalence of conditions associated with severe pain. An Italian multidisciplinary panel provides expert opinions on the management of opioid-induced constipation (OIC) and bowel dysfunction, recommending a comprehensive strategy that includes various interventions to prevent and manage OIC.
ADVANCES IN THERAPY
(2021)
Article
Oncology
Chiara Pellegrini, Augusto T. Caraceni, Maura Massimino, Annarita De Vivo, Maria Grazia Blandini, Beatrice Simoncini, Marco Chisari, Livia I. E. Bedodi, Raffaella Sensi, Cinzia Brunelli
Summary: This paper describes the development process and outcomes of a DNPM multidimensional assessment grid for children with CNS tumors. The tool was found to be clinically useful for planning neuro-oncology rehabilitation treatment and feasible for use in both preschool and school-age children.
PEDIATRIC HEMATOLOGY AND ONCOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Clinical Neurology
Flaminia Coluzzi, Domenico Alvaro, Augusto Tommaso Caraceni, Walter Gianni, Franco Marinangeli, Giuseppe Massazza, Carmine Pinto, Giustino Varrassi, Fabio Lugoboni
Summary: Despite general interest in the topic, a survey in Italy found that most physicians prescribing opioids felt inadequately educated about opioid-induced constipation (OIC). The study revealed differences in clinical practices across physician specialties, with a preference for macrogol prophylaxis and treatment of OIC symptoms. However, the use of peripheral-acting mu opioid receptor antagonists (PAMORAs) was limited among physicians surveyed.
JOURNAL OF PAIN RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Oncology
Cinzia Brunelli, Emanuela Zito, Sara Alfieri, Claudia Borreani, Anna Roli, Augusto Caraceni, Giovanni Apolone
Summary: The survey revealed that HCPs have a moderate level of knowledge about common PROM tools but they are underutilized in practice. Despite a generally positive attitude towards PROMs, the implementation of ePROMs would require adequate resources and training.
Article
Health Care Sciences & Services
Tamsin McGlinchey, Stephen R. Mason, Ruthmarijke Smeding, Anne Goosensen, Inmaculada Ruiz-Torreras, Dagny Faksvag Haugen, Misa Bakan, John E. Ellershaw
Summary: The study aimed to develop a European Core Curriculum for hospital end-of-life-care volunteer services through a Delphi Process and Nominal Group Meeting. Key training issues and implementation measures were agreed upon through multiple rounds of discussion, providing a reference for integrating volunteer services into hospitals.
PALLIATIVE MEDICINE
(2022)
Article
Oncology
Hartwig Korner, Marianne G. Guren, Inger Kristin Larsen, Dagny Faksvag Haugen, Kjetil Soreide, Leif Roland Korner, Jon Arne Soreide
Summary: This study analyzed data from the Norwegian Colorectal Cancer Registry to describe treatment pathways and survival of rectal cancer patients not eligible for curative treatment. The study found that almost 40% of patients did not receive curative-intent treatment, and there were significant variations in treatment journeys and outcomes.
Article
Health Care Sciences & Services
Catriona R. Mayland, Anju D. Keetharuth, Clara Mukuria, Dagny Faksvag Haugen
Summary: CODE (TM) has been found to be valid and reliable in evaluating the quality of care provided in the last days of life within an international context.
JOURNAL OF PAIN AND SYMPTOM MANAGEMENT
(2022)
Article
Oncology
Christina Gerlach, Miriam Baus, Emilio Gianicolo, Oliver Bayer, Dagny Faksvag Haugen, Martin Weber, Catriona Mayland, ERANet LAC CODE Core Sci Grp
Summary: This study conducted an international survey to assess and improve the quality of care for bereaved relatives of cancer patients. The findings from free-text comments highlighted the importance of human interaction and personal meaningful interactions in healthcare.
SUPPORTIVE CARE IN CANCER
(2023)
Review
Pediatrics
Viviana Fusetti, Luca Re, Alessandra Pigni, Antonino Tallarita, Silvia Cilluffo, Augusto Tommaso Caraceni, Maura Lusignani
Summary: Clown therapy appears to be effective in reducing procedural pain in children, particularly for older age groups. However, caution should be exercised when interpreting the results due to the poor quality and high risk of bias in the included studies.
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF PEDIATRICS
(2022)
Review
Neurosciences
Gursharan Sohi, Nicholas Lao, Augusto Caraceni, Dwight E. Moulin, Camilla Zimmermann, Leonie Herx, Ian Gilron
Summary: Pain is common in cancer patients, and the use of opioids for treatment is limited by various factors. Therefore, evaluating the efficacy of nonopioid combinations for cancer-related pain is important. Limited evidence suggests that combining nonopioid drugs may be promising, but more high-quality trials are needed.