Description Scale

The Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario Pain Scale (CHEOPS) is a behavioral pain assessment tool specifically designed for children. It is widely used in clinical settings to evaluate the level of pain in children who may not be able to communicate their pain verbally. The scale observes and measures different behaviors, such as facial expressions, crying, and physical movement, to provide a reliable assessment of pain intensity.
Key Features
Scope: The CHEOPS is designed to assess pain in children between the ages of 1 and 7 years, though it can be used for older children if they have difficulty expressing pain.
Dimensions: The scale includes six categories of behavior: Cry, Facial Expression, Verbalization, Torso Movement, Touch, and Leg Movement. Each category has specific criteria that are scored based on the child’s observed behavior.

Data Analysis and Usage

The analysis of data from the CHEOPS involves:
Result Processing: Each category of behavior is observed and scored according to specific criteria. The total score is calculated by summing the points from each category.
Data Interpretation: The total score is used to determine the level of pain the child is experiencing. Higher scores indicate higher levels of pain.
Application: The results from the CHEOPS can be used by healthcare professionals to make informed decisions about pain management and treatment strategies for pediatric patients.

Purpose

The main objectives of the Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario Pain Scale (CHEOPS) are:
Assessment of Pain: To provide an objective measure of pain in children, particularly in those who are unable to communicate their pain levels effectively.
Guiding Pain Management: To assist healthcare providers in making decisions about pain management and treatment based on the observed behaviors and corresponding CHEOPS scores.
Monitoring Pain Over Time: To track changes in pain levels over time, helping to evaluate the effectiveness of interventions and the need for adjustments in treatment.

Calibration

The calibration of the CHEOPS includes:
Scoring: Each of the six behavioral categories is scored, with specific point values assigned based on the intensity and type of behavior observed. The sum of these scores provides an overall pain level.
Statistical Analysis: Data collected using CHEOPS can be analyzed for reliability and validity in different clinical settings, ensuring consistent use across various healthcare providers.
Normative Data: Scores may be compared with normative data to interpret pain levels relative to other pediatric patients in similar settings.

Bibliography

McGrath, P. A., Johnson, G., Goodman, J. T., Schillinger, J., Dunn, J., & Chapman, J. (1985). CHEOPS: A behavioral scale for rating postoperative pain in children.
Merkel, S. I., Voepel-Lewis, T., Shayevitz, J. R., & Malviya, S. (1997). The FLACC: A behavioral scale for scoring postoperative pain in young children.
Von Baeyer, C. L., & Spagrud, L. J. (2007). Systematic review of observational (behavioral) measures of pain for children and adolescents aged 3 to 18 years.
Hicks, C. L., von Baeyer, C. L., Spafford, P. A., van Korlaar, I., & Goodenough, B. (2001). The Faces Pain Scale–Revised: Toward a common metric in pediatric pain measurement.
McGrath, P. J., & Finley, G. A. (1996). Measurement of pain in children.