The main scales
Do not be surprised if the doctors you will meet do not use these techniques, the list is not exhaustive and each hospital can set up its own grid.
For premature babies, their pain is assessed with a specially adapted scale, called PIPP (Premature Infant Pain Profile). It contains 7 categories and takes into account the term of the child.
EDIN (Newborn Pain and Discomfort Scale) is suitable for infants up to 3 months. It is the only one that assesses the baby’s prolonged pain and discomfort. Face, body, sleep, relationships and discomfort are observed. Simple and quick, this system can also be used for premature babies. Sometimes considered difficult to use, this method requires observation during and outside of care.
Another possibility, for premature babies and term newborns suffering from acute pain: the scale DAN (Acute Pain of the Newborn). It takes into account facial responses, limb movements and vocal expression of pain. The results make it possible to know the effectiveness of preventive measures against pain.
In case of acute pain, the NFCS (Neonatal Facial Coding System) has the advantage of being usable up to 18 months. The grimaces of your pitchoun will be scrutinized: from the frown to the trembling chin.
Has your cherub been operated on? The day of the operation, this is the method OPS (Objective Pain Scale) which will probably be implemented. Global, fast and simple, it adapts to little ones from 2 months.
Finally, pediatric emergencies they also have their scale: EVENDOL (child pain assessment), already used in several centers in France. Your child’s behavior will be examined upon arrival and the first examination to provide as much relief as possible.