MEASURING PAIN UAB (UNIVERSITY OF ALABAMA SCALE)

Question 1

What is the UAB?

Answer 1

• An observational pain assessment behavioural scale.

Assesses pain from behaviour.

Question 2

What is the aim of the UAB?

Answer 2

• To assess and track chronic pain through observed behaviours.

Question 3

How does the UAB work?

Answer 3

1. The observer tracks 10 specific behaviours to assess patient pain level.
2. The observer notes the severity, frequency or intensity of each behaviour (scoring them 0, 0.5 or 1 point)
3. They are given a score out of 10 (higher score= severe issues)

1) Tracking 2) Noting SIF 3) Given score

Question 4

Name 3 behaviours the UAB tracks

Answer 4

1. Verbal complaints
2. Mobility
3. Facial grimaces

Question 5

Name 1 strength of the UAB

Answer 5

• RWA/ useful
• Provides a consistent method in assessing pain for health care providers, parents and carers.
• Especially useful for parents as a child may not be able to verbalise their pain.

Question 6

Name 1 weakness of the UAB

Answer 6

• SUBJECTIVITY
• Results are based on the subjective interpretations of the observer. (may not be accurate)
• Outward pain demonstrations may not reflect internal experiences.
• Ouward pain demonstrations could be affected by reinforcement or trauma .

Low construct validityc