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  • Title: The COMFORT behavior scale: is a shorter observation period feasible?
    Author: Boerlage AA, Ista E, de Jong M, Tibboel D, van Dijk M.
    Journal: Pediatr Crit Care Med; 2012 Mar; 13(2):e124-5. PubMed ID: 21499179.
    Abstract:
    OBJECTIVE: The COMFORT behavior scale has been validated for postoperative pain in 0- to 3-yr-old children. Scoring is preceded by a 2-min observation period, which nurses may consider too long. The objective of this study was to test the reliability of a 30-sec observation period. DESIGN: Observational study. SETTING: One Level III intensive care unit at a university children's hospital. PARTICIPANTS: Designated pain specialist and all nursing staff. INTERVENTIONS: None. MEASUREMENTS: The pain specialist and caregiver nurse each conducted a bedside COMFORT behavior scale assessment and assigned an additional pain rating on the 11-point Numerical Rating Scale. MAIN RESULTS: Total COMFORT behavior Scale score for the 2-min observation was 17 or higher in 19% of the patients and 11% for the 30-sec observation. The mean COMFORT behavior scale score for the 2-min observation was 13.5 (SD 3.8) and 12.7 (SD 3.7) for the 30-sec observation. The mean difference therefore was 0.8 (confidence interval 0.6-1.1, paired t test, p < .001). Sensitivity and positive predictive value for the 30-sec observation were 0.44 and 0.80, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: A 30-sec COMFORT behavior scale observation increases the risk of underscoring pain. Therefore, the 2-min observation period should be adhered to in the interest of the patients.
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