Reliability and validity of the faces and word descriptor scales to measure procedural pain

Reliability and validity of the Faces and Word Descriptor Scales to measure pain in verbal children undergoing painful procedures were assessed. Test-retest reliability and construct and discriminant validity were supported for both instruments among a sample of 118 children in three age groups (3-7, 8-12, 13-18). Construct validity was determined by comparisons with a visual analogue scale and a numerical scale with known validity. A majority of the children preferred to use the Faces scale when providing self-report of pain regardless of age. The Faces and Word Descriptor Scales are valid and reliable instruments to measure procedural pain intensity.