Any measure has to be analyzed. When one tries to transform a qualitative outcome as pain intensity in a quantitative measure, there is a risk. I think it is not adequate to use a single measure in such matter as pain. I use the visual analog scale result in the follow up of my patients, but always followed by the question for the patient "In your opinion, did your pain improved, worsened or is the same.
Dear Arun,
Yes, VAS is reliable and valid for its use in routine clinical assessment.
The visual analog scale (VAS) is one of the commonly used method for rapidly gathering quantifiable subjective ratings in both research and clinical settings.
Since VAS is highly subjective, these scales are of most value when looking at change within individuals, and are of less value for comparing across a group of individuals at one time point.
However, many researchers prefer to use a method of analysis that is based on the rank ordering of scores rather than their exact values.
Thank you.
VAS is a great tool, but as noted, it is that, only a tool and should not be the only way to assess pain (or any other symptom). It can be helpful in obtaining a score, then reassessing and obtaining a followup score, say 30 minutes after taking pain medication, for example. It is a reliable and valid tool.
I agree with the previous comment. Many people look at the VAS and cannot correlate it to their personal experience of pain. We need to be aware of this when we are trying to use any tools when assessing people with pain.
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