Reliability of the Visual Analog Scale
-
Uses
-
The VAS can be used to compare the level of pain an individual is experiencing at a certain point in time with their pain level at a later point in time. For example, it is helpful for comparing pre-operative pain with post-operative pain. It can also be used to assess how much a person's pain has decreased after using pain medication.
Reliability
-
For an assessment to be considered reliable, it must produce consistent and compatible results each time it is used. Scientific research has proven the VAS to be a reliable assessment tool for pain.
-