Analysis of Methods for Pain Measurement Used in Journal of the Korean Pain Society

Kim, Yong Ik; Lee, Won Sup; Park, Hae Nam; Chae, Won Seok; Jin, Hee Cheol; Lee, Jeong Seok; Hwang, Kyung Ho

Abstract

BACKGROUND
The measurement of pain is an important aspect in pain management. It was thought that an analysis of the methods of pain measurement would be helpful for improving the quality of the journal. METHODS: Three hundred and eighty seven articles, related to pain measurement, were included in this study. The articles, which are used in all kinds of pain measurement methods, and their distinct explanations were analyzed. Additionally, the followings were recorded: the frequency of the use of the methods of pain measurement, number of educational and original articles on pain measurement and the kinds of end-phrases used for visual analogue scales (VAS). RESULTS: Two hundred and eighty five (71.8%) of the 387 articles mentioned methods of pain measurement. There were 31.2% of the articles that explained the methods distinctly. The VAS (0-10), as a method, and `most severe pain' as an end-phrase for the VAS, were most frequently used in the articles. Six educational and original articles related with pain measurement were found from this review. CONCLUSIONS: These results indicate that methods for pain measurement, in the Journal of Korean Pain Society, have to be presented more accurately for improving the quality of the journal.