ASSESSING PAIN
In order to objectively document a patient’s clinical needs, the PAINAD Scale is a tool that assesses pain levels in patients with cognitive impairments, such as delirium, or dementia. Proper use of the PAINAD Scale, as part of a comprehensive pain management plan, can help reduce the likelihood of a patient experiencing unrecognized and untreated pain.
Though the PAINAD scale was developed to help assess pain in patients with dementia, it is also helpful for assessing pain in patients suffering from other illnesses.
Scoring: The total score ranges from 0-10 points. A possible interpretation of the scores is: 1-3=mild pain; 4-6=moderate pain; 7-10=severe pain. These ranges are based on a standard 0-10 scale of pain.