MEASURING PAIN UAB (UNIVERSITY OF ALABAMA SCALE)

Question 1

What is the UAB? (simple)

Answer 1

• An observational pain assessment behavioural scale.

Assesses pain from behaviour.

Question 2

What is the UAB (full definition)

Answer 2

An observational pain-assessment tool designed to assess pain severity, impact, and frequency, by measuring pain-related behaviours in individuals, particularly those with chronic pain.

Question 3

How does the UAB work?

Answer 3

1. The scale is completed by a trained obsever (health care professional or someone living with patient) who monitors and rates 10 specific behaviours over time.
2. The observer scores/ rates each behaviour based on severity or frequency- using a 3 point scale. (0=absent, 0.5= (occational) 1 (frequent).
3. The total score is recorded, which ranges from 0-10 (higher scores indicate more severe pain/ impairments)

1) Tracking 2) Noting SIF 3) Given score

Question 4

Name 3 behaviours the UAB tracks

Answer 4

1. Verbal complaints
2. Mobility (reduced)
3. Facial grimaces

Question 5

Name 1 strengths and 1 weakness of the UAB?

Answer 5

Strength: Reliable- provides clinicans consistent method which can measure and quantify patients pain level over time (as it provides scores). Especially useful for patients who cannot verbalise their pain adequatley (child, cogntive impairments, language barriers)
Weakness: Face validity- outward pain demonstrations may not reflect internal experinces as outward demonstrations could be affected by conditioning, trauma, personality)- making pain behaviour an imperfect proxy for measuring pain levels.