Validation of the Greek Version of Comfort-B, FLACC, and BPS Scales in Critically Ill Children and Their Association with Clinical Severity

Abstract

Background: A variety of valid pediatric pain assessment tools are used in clinical practice globally; however, none have been validated for use in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) in Greece. Furthermore, the association between pain behavioral responses and clinical status is unclear.

Aims: To assess the reliability and validity of the Greek version of FLACC, Comfort B, and BPS pain scales in critically ill children and to explore their association with clinical severity (Denver MOF, PMODS) and levels of sedation and analgesia.

Methods: A methodological and descriptive correlational study was performed in a 6-bed PICU. A total of 60 observations in a sample of 30 children (mean age 4.1 years; 63.3% male) were obtained by 2 independent nurses during rest and painful procedures. At the same time, the bedside nurse assessed the child's pain intensity using the VASobs.

Results: High internal consistency and strong interrater reliability were detected (Cronbach's alpha ≥ .85; ICC > .95, p < .001). The agreement between observers was satisfactory (0.71 ≤ Kappa ≤ 0.96, p < .001). Strong correlations were found among the scales (0.65 ≤ rho ≤0 .98, p < .05). Increased pain scores (≥moderate pain) were observed during painful procedures regardless the administration of analgesia. Statistically significant correlations were found between clinical severity and the FLACC and Comfort B scores (-0.577 ≤ rho ≤ -0.384, p < .05).

Conclusions: These pain tools were found to be suitable for this sample of children in Greece. Wider application of these tools in Greek PICUs and further research regarding their association with the clinical severity and the pain responses is required for the improvement of pain management in critically ill children.