PAINAD Scale

What is a Pain Assessment in Advanced Dementia Scale (PAINAD)?

Pain is a common symptom experienced by people with advanced dementia, and it can significantly negatively impact their quality of life. People with advanced dementia experience pain differently than those without it. They may be unable to express their pain verbally and may show signs such as changes in behavior, facial expressions, or body language when they are in distress.

To properly assess and manage pain in people with advanced dementia, healthcare professionals use the (PAINAD). It helps healthcare providers to evaluate pain levels and determine the best course of action. The PAINAD is a 2-point scale based on observing and assessing physical signs and non-verbal behavior associated with pain.

The PAINAD measures five categories: breathing independent of vocalization, negative vocalization, facial expression, body language, and consolability. Each category is scored on a scale of 0-2 for a total score of 0-10. A higher PAINAD score indicates increased levels of pain.

When assessing pain in people with advanced dementia, it is important to remember that there are no standard “cut-offs” for each symptom and that the scale should be used as a guide for observation and evaluation.

How does this PAINAD Scale work?

The PAINAD Scale is designed to assess pain levels in people with advanced dementia by observing and evaluating five key physical signs and non-verbal behaviors. Here's how to use this free template:

Step One: Download the scale

Use the link on this page to access the free PAINAD Scale worksheet. You can also download the form from the Carepatron app or our handy resources library.

Step Two: Observe the patient

For each of the five categories, observe and rate the patient's physical signs and non-verbal behavior on a scale from 0 to 2.

Step Three: Calculate the score

Add up the ratings for each category and calculate the total score, ranging from 0 to 10. A higher score indicates increased levels of pain.

Step Four: Interpret results

Based on the total score, provide the appropriate comfort measures, pain relief medications, or further medical attention.

PAINAD Scale Scoring

The PAINAD Scale is scored by rating the patient's physical signs and non-verbal behavior on a scale from 0 to 2. It has five categories: breathing independent of vocalization, negative vocalization, facial expression, body language, and consolability.

The highest possible score is 10 (2 in each category). A score of 1-3 indicates mild pain, while 4-6 means moderate pain. A score of 7-10 indicates that the patient is experiencing severe pain.

When to use this PAINAD Test?

The PAINAD Scale assesses pain levels in people with advanced dementia. You should use it when you suspect your patient is experiencing pain and you need to determine the severity of their discomfort. You can also administer this test if or when:

You want to monitor the patient's pain over time

The PAINAD Scale is excellent for monitoring and managing chronic pain in people with advanced dementia. Regular assessments can help you detect changes in the patient's overall health and respond appropriately.

You need to adjust the patient's pain relief medication

Regular assessments can help you determine if the patient is responding well to their current pain relief regimen or if you need to make adjustments.

Your patient is unable to verbalize their pain accurately

For patients who cannot verbalize their pain, the PAINAD Scale can provide valuable insight into their discomfort. You can better understand their pain levels by observing and rating the patient's physical signs and non-verbal behavior.

Your patient is exhibiting signs of distress, physical discomfort, or agitation

The PAINAD Scale can help you detect pain in patients who cannot express it verbally. If the patient exhibits signs of distress, physical discomfort, or agitation, this tool can be used as a guide for observation and evaluation.

Who is this PAINAD Scale PDF for?

Most healthcare professionals can use the PAINAD Scale in their practice. It's convenient for:

• Physicians
• Nurses
• Caregivers
• Social workers
• Geriatric specialists
• Psychologists
• Physiotherapists
• Occupational therapists
• Speech and language pathologists

You can also utilize this assessment tool in hospitals, nursing homes, and other care facilities. However, note that the PAINAD Scale is not meant to be a diagnostic tool.

Benefits of free PAINAD Assessment

The PAINAD Scale is an effective tool for assessing pain levels in people with advanced dementia. Here are some of its benefits:

It's easy to use and interpret

The PAINAD Scale is simple to administer. Its scoring system is also clear and intuitive, making it easy to interpret.

It's accurate and reliable

Studies have shown that the PAINAD Scale is a valuable and accurate tool for assessing pain in people with advanced dementia. You can be confident that the results are reliable.

It's fully digital

The PAINAD Scale is available in PDF format and can be used with any digital device. You can access it wherever you are and use it at any time.

It helps you provide better care

Using this tool, you can provide better, more tailored patient care by accurately assessing pain levels. Regular assessments also help detect changes in the patient's overall health.

It helps improve patient outcome

Using the PAINAD Scale, you can make informed decisions on managing your patient’s pain and improve their overall health outcomes.

Reference

Warden V, Hurley AC, Volicer L. Development and psychometric evaluation of the Pain Assessment in Advanced Dementia (PAINAD) scale). J Amid Dir Assoc. 2003; 4(1): 9-15.