Validering av Beteendeskalan

Abstract

Background.

Individuals with cognitively impaired ability receive less pain treatment. A valid clinically useful tool is important for assessing pain.

Aim.

The aim of this study, was to validate a pain scale as a support for nurses assessing the pain experience by older individuals with impaired cognitive function at the emergency ward.

Methods.

Ninety-nine older individuals with hip or pelvic fractures were assessed, using VAS (visual analogue scale) and Behaviour Scale, the coherence was analyzed.

Findings and conclusions.

The findings show that in 67% (67 of 99) of the individuals, the assessment by the nurses corresponded with the individuals self-reported pain experiences. The overall kappa coefficient stops at 0.42, a moderate degree of consistency. VAS and Behaviour scale show a relative good level of correspondence. The Behaviour scale has the potential to become a support tool for nurses to interpret pain in older individuals and individuals with impaired cognitive function. Behaviour scale seems to have the best function when doing pain assessment during activity.