Cross-cultural adaptation and psychometric validation of the french version of the "defense and veterans pain rating scale" for acute and chronic pain: A prospective clinical study.

Abstract

Background: Pain assessment and proper evaluation of pain is a prerequisite for treatment of acute and chronic pain. Until now, most evaluations use only resting pain intensity and a unidimensional scale, although multidimensional pain assessment and especially assessment of functional pain impact on activities is recommended. The "Defense and Veterans Pain Rating Scale" (DVPRS) permits this multidimensional assessment, but no validated French translation exists.

Objectives: To validate the French translation of the multidimensional DVPRS, called Functional Pain Scale (FPS) in multiple settings of acute and chronic pain.

Study design: Prospective observational study.

Setting: Two large hospitals in the French-speaking region of Switzerland.

Methods: We recruited 232 patients from February 2022 to January 2023. Patients with acute or chronic pain in different settings received a paper questionnaire with both the NRS and the Functional Pain Scale and a customized evaluation questionnaire. Correlation of FPS and NRS, psychometric properties and patient preferences were analysed.

Results: For the whole group of 232 patients, correlation of FPS and NRS was high, as well for all subgroups. The multi-item FPS scale showed excellent internal consistency. A large majority of patients, even those >75 years old, preferred FPS over NRS and stated that the FPS was easy to use.

Conclusions: The study confirms that the French translation of the DVPRS (= Functional Pain Scale) is a valid measurement instrument for acute and chronic pain evaluation in a wide range of patient groups, and easy to use by patients.