Skip to main content
Download PDF

Behavioural evaluation in patients affected by chronic pain: a preliminary study

The Journal of Headache and Pain volume 7, pages 395–402 (2006)Cite this article

Abstract

The aim was to analyse the existing relation between a subjective evaluation of pain with the use of the Verbal Numerical Scale (VNS) and an objective behavioural measure associated with pain, by means of the Pain Behaviour Rating Scale (UAB). An observational correlation study was carried out in a hospital environment. The study included 61 patients affected with multiple forms of non-malignant chronic pain; the behaviour was observed by the nursing staff. In general, a positive but moderate correlation was obtained between VNS and UAB scales (r=0.29, p<0.0001). Observing behaviour and listening to the patient constituted two complementary and non-interchangeable methods for assessing the level of pain capable of providing a global and objective portrayal of the pain experience.

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Psychological Management Structure, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria, "Ospedali Riuniti Umberto I G.M. Lancisi – G. Salesi", Ancona, Italy

    E. Monina & L. Mariani

  2. Operative Unit of Pain and Palliative Care, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria, "Ospedali Riuniti Umberto I G.M. Lancisi – G. Salesi", Ancona, Italy

    V. Firetto & C. A. Caputi

  3. Department of Neurosciences, Section of Anaesthesia and Intensive Care Unit, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria, "Ospedali Riuniti Umberto I G.M. Lancisi – G. Salesi", Ancona, Italy

    G. Falzetti

  4. Unità Operativa Medicina del Dolore e Palliativa, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria, "Ospedali Riuniti Umberto I G.M. Lancisi – G. Salesi", Via Conca 71, I-60020, Torrette di Ancona, Italy

    C. A. Caputi

Authors
  1. E. Monina
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. G. Falzetti
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. V. Firetto
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  4. L. Mariani
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  5. C. A. Caputi
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to C. A. Caputi.

Rights and permissions

Open Access This is an open access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution Noncommercial License ( https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/2.0 ), which permits any noncommercial use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author(s) and source are credited.

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Cite this article

Monina, E., Falzetti, G., Firetto, V. et al. Behavioural evaluation in patients affected by chronic pain: a preliminary study. J Headache Pain 7, 395–402 (2006). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10194-006-0324-0

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Accepted:

  • Published:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10194-006-0324-0

Key words

The Journal of Headache and Pain

ISSN: 1129-2377

Contact us