Academy of Oncologic Physical Therapy EDGE Task Force on Cancer: A Systematic Review of Outcome Measures for Pain in Children

Children with cancer can experience pain throughout their clinical course. Accurate assessment of pain can lead to more effective pain management. To identify outcome measures used to assess pain in children and to appraise each tool based on psychometric properties, clinical utility, and application to pediatric oncology. Methods: The authors searched 3 electronic databases (MEDLINE, CINAHL, and SCOPUS), using specific search terms to identify measures used to evaluate pain in children with cancer. Of the 956 articles found, 270 were reviewed and 17 measures were identified for further assessment. Each outcome measure was reviewed by 2 independent reviewers, who then ranked each measure using the 4-point Cancer EDGE Task Force Outcome Measure Rating Scale. Discrepancies were discussed to reach consensus. Results: The Wong-Baker FACES Pain Rating Scale is highly recommended (4). The Oucher Pain Scale, Adolescent Pediatric Pain Tool, and Pieces of Hurt Assessment Tool/Poker Chip Tool are recommended (3). Six additional tools are deemed reasonable to use (2) and 7 tools are not recommended (1). Conclusions: Based on clinical utility, psychometric properties, and application to children with oncologic diseases, 4 outcome measures are recommended for the assessment of pain in children with a diagnosis of cancer.