Visual Analogue Scales: Comparison of Computerized vs. Paper and Pencil Versions
Clinicians and researchers use different methods to measure pain. One of the most common and efficient methods is to ask patients to record pain intensity on the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS). The VAS usually consists of a line of specific length, typically 10 to 15cm long, and a pencil. In this study the student will show: 1) that a computerized VAS is easier to use and as efficient, and perhaps more precise in the recording of pain than the paper and pencil VAS version and 2) that the length of the line in the computerized VAS should be the same as in the paper and pencil VAS version in order to have minimal recording errors when measuring pain. An increase or decrease in the length of the line in the computerized VAS will mean an increase in error in the recording of pain. The student will obtain human subjects approval for the study, recruit subjects and inform them of their rights. The student will interview 100 volunteer subjects and ask them to answer questions about the pain they have been feeling within the past week. The subjects will record their answers on two versions of the VAS, the computerized version and the paper and pencil version, both with the end phrases "pain as bad as it could be" and "no pain at all". Subjects will also record their answers using a number scale from 0 to 10, which will be used to compare which VAS was more precise in the recording the patient's pain intensity. The 0 to 10 number scale will also help indicate which length of the VAS line provided a more consistent pain rating. The student will use a digitizer tablet to score paper VASs, export computer VAS data from Access to the SPSS statistical program, enter the 0-10 data in Excel or SPSS to analyze the data. The student will use PowerPoint to report findings and prepare a poster of her work.
