Αριθμητική κλίμακα αξιολόγησης πόνου [NRS-11]

Purpose of the Scale

The Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS) is a unidimensional measurement of pain intensity designed to record the pain perceived by adult patients.

Scale Analysis

This specific scale was first developed by Dr. Ronald Melzack and Dr. Warren Torgerson in 1975 at McGill University. The doctors aimed to create a simple numeric scale to help patients quantify their pain levels.

Question Scoring

The patient is asked to describe the severity of their pain on a scale ranging from 0 to 10, where 0 represents “no pain” and 10 represents “the worst possible pain.” Specifically, there are four gradations:
0 = no pain
1–3 = mild pain
4–6 = moderate pain
7–10 = severe pain
In cases of moderate or severe pain, immediate pharmaceutical treatment should be administered.

Statistical Analysis

It is important to note that although the scale values are numbers, they do not hold any true numerical value. Furthermore, a reduction of two (2) points on the scale corresponds to a 30% decrease in pain. On the numeric scale (NRS-11), a change in pain intensity represents a significant difference in patient pain management. Additionally, higher scores indicate more intense pain.

Validity and Reliability of the Scale

The numeric scale (NRS-11) is simple, easy to use, understandable by patients of all ages, and reliable for assessing both acute and chronic pain. It can measure the intensity and severity of pain, although some researchers have also used it to assess pain-related discomfort. It also has a lower risk of user error and is equally reliable as the visual analog scale. Finally, in statistical processing, it meets all reliability criteria, and its results can be used in parametric tests.

References

Foreign Literature
Pathak, A., Sharma, S., & Jensen, M. P. (2018). The utility and validity of pain intensity rating scales for use in developing countries. Pain Reports, 3(5).
Keywords: Scale, Pain assessment, test, examination, study, research, reliability, validity, measurement scale, statistical analysis, research proposal