Reliability and validity of the Pediatric PainSCAN: a screening tool for pediatric neuropathic pain and complex regional pain syndrome

Abstract The Pediatric PainSCAN is the first screening tool for neuropathic pain (NP) and complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) designed for pediatrics. Prior research developed the tool and established content validity. The tool has 3 parts, part A is a preface (pain location, severity, duration), part B discriminates NP or CRPS from other pain conditions, and part C discriminates CRPS from NP. This study aimed to evaluate the tool's reliability and validity. A multicentre cross-sectional survey was administered to participants with NP, CRPS, and other pain conditions in pediatric chronic pain clinics. Test–retest reliability was evaluated by readministering the tool after 7 days. Criterion validity (sensitivity [SE] and specificity [SP]) was evaluated by comparing participant scores to a clinician diagnosis. Convergent validity was evaluated by comparing participant scores on the tool to existing NP screening tools. Participants (N = 221; 56 with NP, 57 with CRPS, 108 with other pain) were aged 9 to 18 years and 81% female. Test–retest reliability (intraclass correlation coefficients part B = 0.76 and part C = 0.82) was sufficient (>0.70). Criterion validity (part B: SE 76%, SP 63%; part C: SE 83%, SP 77%) was sufficient (>70%) except for SP of part B. Convergent validity was sufficient (correlation coefficients aligned with hypotheses: painDETECT [0.73], self-report Leeds Assessment of Neuropathic Symptoms and Signs [0.73], and Patient-Reported Outcome Measurement Information System Neuropathic Pain Quality [0.59]). The Pediatric PainSCAN demonstrated sufficient reliability and validity to screen for NP and CRPS in pediatric chronic pain clinics. Future research is needed to evaluate the tool in other settings and determine the utility of implementing the tool in clinical practice.