Validation of the Dutch Version of the Breakthrough Pain Assessment Tool in Patients With Cancer

ContextEssential for adequate management of breakthrough cancer pain is a combination of accurate (re-)assessment and a personalized treatment plan. The Breakthrough Pain Assessment Tool (BAT) has been proven to be a brief, multidimensional, reliable, and valid questionnaire for the assessment of breakthrough cancer pain.ObjectivesThe aim of this study was to examine the validity and reliability of the Dutch Language version of the BAT (BAT-DL) in patients with cancer.MethodsThe BAT was forward-backward translated into the Dutch language. Thereafter, the psychometric properties of the BAT-DL were tested, that is factor structure, reliability (internal consistency and test-retest reliability), validity (content validity and construct validity), and the responsiveness to change.ResultsThe BAT-DL confirmed the two-factor structure in 170 patients with cancer: pain severity/impact factor and pain duration/medication efficacy factor. The Cronbach's alpha coefficient was 0.72, and the intraclass correlation for the test-retest reliability was 0.81. The BAT-DL showed to be able to differentiate between different group of patients and correlated significantly with the Brief Pain Inventory. In addition, the BAT-DL was capable to detect clinically important changes over time.ConclusionThe BAT-DL is a valid and reliable questionnaire to assess breakthrough pain in Dutch patients with cancer and is a relevant questionnaire for daily practice.     

Validating the Functional Pain Scale for Hospitalized Adults

BackgroundEnhancing pain patient's ability to function and cope is important, but assessing only intensity ignores those aspects of pain. The Functional Pain Scale (FPS), addresses these dimensions but lacked validation in hospitalized adults with chronic pain.AimsThis research was conducted to establish the FPS psychometric properties in hospitalized adults.DesignA prospective pilot study examined the reliability and validity of the FPS in two acute care hospitals.SettingsAdult inpatients from medical/surgical units at two hospitals.Participants/SubjectsA convenience sample of 93 subjects from an Academic Medical Center and 51 from a tertiary care hospital who were 21-81 years old and primarily Caucasian.MethodsHospitalized adults with chronic pain at two facilities provided pain scores from the FPS, Numeric Rating Scale, Pain, Enjoyment of Life, and General Activities Scale, and Quality of Pain Care Scale. Test-retest reliability and construct validity were evaluated using standard correlation methods.ResultsHospitalized adults aged 21-88 years with chronic pain (N = 144) were evaluated. Data supported test-retest reliability of the FPS (r = .84; p < .001), which had strong, statistically significant correlations with the Numeric Rating Scale at different study sites (r = 0.75 and r = 0.45, respectively), indicating acceptable construct validity. Significant weak correlations between the FPS and other measures of mood and functioning failed to support discriminant validity.ConclusionsAlthough statistically significant, the reliability and validity of FPS were not as strong in hospitalized chronic pain patients as reported for older adults in other settings.     

Prevalence of Pain and Its Characteristics in Hospitalized Patients in an Indian Teaching Hospital

BackgroundPain has a great impact on the physical and mental condition of hospitalized patients, reduces quality of life, and increases economic burden.AimsThe study aimed to determine pain prevalence, its characteristics, analgesic treatment, and associated factors for severity and chronicity of pain in hospitalized patients.MethodsA cross-sectional study was carried out including 847 eligible adult in-patients, aged ≥18 years, admitted to the All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Bhubaneswar, India, from June to August 2018. Pain severity was evaluated by visual analog scale (VAS) at the time of interview and after 1 week/completion of pain treatment.ResultsThe prevalence of pain during the 24 hours preceding the interview was 70.6%. The duration of pain was ≥4 weeks in 162 (27.1%) patients and severe (VAS ≥ 7) in 144 (24.1%) patients. The mean VAS score was 6.27 ± 1.97 at the time of interview and 3.31 ± 1.89 after 1 week/completion of pain treatment (p < .001). Use of opioid analgesics (adjusted odds ratio [aOR]: 3.18; confidence interval [CI]: 2.23-4.55) was significantly related to pain severity, whereas patients ≥60 years (aOR: 1.64; CI: 0.99-2.70), patients in a nonsurgical ward (aOR: 1.78; CI: 1.21-2.60), and patients using opioid analgesics (aOR: 2.63; CI: 1.73-3.98) had prolonged pain, defined as ≥4 weeks.ConclusionPain prevalence and intensity in this Indian hospital were high and pain treatment was adequate in many cases. Timely assessment and appropriate management of pain in hospitalized patients is needed to prevent further pain and its complications in these patients.     

Measuring Pain in Aphasia: Validity and Reliability of the PACSLAC-D

BackgroundPost-stroke pain in patients with an inability to communicate is not systematically assessed and therefore not sufficiently treated. This stresses the need to study pain assessment instruments that do not require good communication skills.AimTo examine the validity and reliability of the Pain Assessment Checklist for Seniors with Limited Ability to Communicate – Dutch version (PACSLAC-D) in stroke patients with aphasia.MethodSixty stroke patients (mean age 79.3 years, standard deviation [SD] 8.0), of whom 27 had aphasia were observed during rest, activities of daily living (ADL), and physiotherapy using the Pain Assessment Checklist for Seniors with Limited Ability to Communicate – Dutch version (PACSLAC-D). The observations were repeated after two weeks. To examine convergent validity, correlations between the PACSLAC-D, self-report pain scales, and the clinical judgment of a health care professional (pain present yes/no) were used. To examine discriminative validity, differences in pain were investigated between rest and ADL, in patients who use pain medication and those who do not, and in patients with and without aphasia. Internal consistency and test-retest reliability were assessed to determine reliability.ResultsConvergent validity failed to meet the acceptable threshold during rest but was adequate during ADL and physiotherapy. Discriminative validity was only adequate during ADL. The internal consistency was 0.33 during rest, 0.71 during ADL, and 0.65 during physiotherapy. Test-retest reliability varied from poor during rest (intraclass correlation coefficient [ICC] = 0.07; 95% confidence interval [CI]: -0.40-0.51) to excellent during physiotherapy (ICC = 0.95; 95% CI: 0.83-0.98).ConclusionsThe PACSLAC-D captures pain in patients with aphasia who are unable to self-report, during ADL and physiotherapy, but may be less accurate during rest.     

Incidence of Inadequate Pain Treatment among Ventilated,Critically Ill Surgical Patients in a Thai Population

BackgroundInadequate pain treatment during intensive care unit stays causes many unfavorable outcomes. Pain assessment in mechanically ventilated patients is challenging because most cannot self-report pain. The incidence of pain among Thai surgical intensive care unit (SICU) patients has never been reported.AimsTo determine the inadequate pain control incidence among ventilated, critically ill, surgical patients.DesignProspective, observational study.SettingSICU of a university-based hospital during November 2017–January 2019.ParticipantsPatients aged > 18 years, admitted to the SICU for a foreseeable duration of mechanical ventilation > 24 hours were included.MethodsOn post-admission Day 2, each was assessed for pain at rest (every 4 hours) and during bed-bathing using the Critical Care Pain Observation Tool (CPOT; Thai version) or the 0–10 numeric rating scale (NRS). CPOT scores > 2 or NRS scores > 3 signified inadequate pain control, while a RASS score ≤ -3 was defined as overtreatment.Results118 were included. The inadequate-pain-management incidence was 34% (n = 40) at rest and 29% (n = 34) during bed-bathing. The severe-pain incidence (NRS > 6, or CPOT > 5) was 5.9% (n = 7). Our incidence of overtreatment was 1.7%. The demographic data and ICU complication-rates of patients with adequate and inadequate pain treatment were similar.ConclusionsPain assessment tools in critically ill patients should be developed and validated to the language of the tool users in order to determine the incidence of pain accurately. The inadequate-pain-treatment incidence in ventilated critically ill, Thai surgical patients was lower than previously reported from other countries.     

Development and Validation of the Youth Acute Pain Functional Ability Questionnaire (YAPFAQ)

Physical function and functional recovery are important aspects of the acute pain experience in children and adolescents in hospitalized settings. Measures of function related to pediatric acute pain do not exist currently, limiting understanding of recovery in youth undergoing acute and procedural pain. To address this gap, we developed and assessed the clinical utility and preliminary validity of the Youth Acute Pain Functional Ability Questionnaire (YAPFAQ). We evaluated psychometric properties of this measure in 159 patients with sickle cell disease, ages 7 to 21 years, who were hospitalized for vaso-occlusive episodes at 4 urban children's hospitals. The YAPFAQ demonstrated strong internal reliability and test-retest reliability. An exploratory factor analysis was conducted to examine the preliminary factor structure and to help reduce the number of items for the final scale. Evidence for moderate construct validity was demonstrated among validated measures of pain burden, motor function, functional ability, and quality of life. The YAPFAQ is a new measure of youth functional ability in the acute pain setting. Further evaluation of this measure in additional pediatric populations is needed to understand applicability across a spectrum of youth experiencing acute pain related to illness, trauma, and medical/surgical procedures.PerspectiveMeasures of function in response to acute pain are needed in order to more comprehensively evaluate acute pain interventions in pediatrics; however, no specific measures are available. Our preliminary psychometric evaluation of an acute pain functional ability measure for youth indicates that it may be a promising tool for further refinement in additional pediatric acute pain populations.     

Development and Testing of the Pain Assessment Tool in Cognitively Impaired Elders (PATCIE): Nonverbal Pain Behaviors in African American and Caucasian Nursing Home Residents with Dementia

BackgroundPeople with dementia experience a decline in language skills required to self-report pain; researchers thus recommend the use of nonverbal behaviors to assess pain. Although multiple instruments exist for assessing nonverbal pain behaviors, psychometric data are lacking for African American nursing home residents with dementia.Aims and DesignThe purpose of this methodological study was to describe the development and testing of the Pain Assessment Tool in Cognitively Impaired Elders (PATCIE) in African American and Caucasian nursing home residents with dementia.Settings/ParticipantsThe convenience sample included 56 African American and 69 Caucasian residents with dementia in multiple nursing homes from three states. The research staff completed the pain assessments when the nursing home staff transferred the residents.Results/ConclusionsInitially, 15 nonverbal pain behaviors were evaluated. Based on the alpha scores and additional literature review, the 15 nonverbal pain behaviors were expanded to 28 behaviors. The PATCIE had a Cronbach's alpha of .73 during movement. Construct validity for the pain behaviors was demonstrated because higher scores were noted during movement, and scores before movement were significantly higher than those obtained after movement. For movement over time, there was a significant difference in the PATCIE score, regardless of ethnicity or time (p < .0001). There were no significant differences found between ethnic groups, either overall or in change over time between movements or between the categories of cognitive function. African Americans were more likely to display frowning, and Caucasians to display irritability. The PATCIE demonstrates preliminary reliability and validity in assessing pain in African American and Caucasian nursing home residents with dementia.     

The Indonesian version of the Premature Infant Pain Profile–Revised: Translation and adaptation of a neonatal pain assessment

PurposePain assessment is a key component of good pain management in hospitalized infants. This study aimed to translate and adapt a version of pain measurement in infants, the Premature Infant Pain Profile Revised (PIPP-R) into Indonesian.MethodThe adaptation process of the measuring instrument used a modified Brislin method which included forward translation, back translation 1, group discussion 1, back translation 2, group discussion 2, and pilot testing on neonatal nurses: feasibility test, inter-rater reliability using intraclass correlation (ICC), and internal consistency using Cronbach's α coefficient.ResultsThe PIPP-R version in English has been translated into Indonesian. In general, nurses assessed this measuring instrument as feasible. The inter-rater reliability showed a high agreement (ICC = 0.968, P = 0.001) and this measuring instrument had good internal consistency (Cronbach's α = 0.856).ConclusionThe Indonesian version of PIPP-R is easy to use and shows good psychometric properties. The use of this measuring instrument will help nurses and researchers obtain accurate infant pain intensity measurement values.     

Understanding the Relationship Between Spiritual Well-Being and Depression in Chronic Pain Patients: The Mediating Role of Pain Catastrophizing

BackgroundIt is well established that there is an association between chronic pain and depression.AimsThe present study aimed to identify whether pain catastrophizing and spiritual well-being may influence depression in chronic pain patients when other variables are controlled for (sociodemographic characteristics and pain intensity). Furthermore, it investigated possible mechanisms by which spiritual well-being can influence depression in these patients.DesignThe present study employed a cross-sectional design.Settings and ParticipantsThis study was performed with a convenience sample of 300 consecutive patients with different types of chronic pain (defined as recurrent or persistent pain over >3 months), referred to clinics affiliated with Shiraz university of Medical Sciences between March and October 2017.MethodsPatients completed validated self-report questionnaires: Spiritual Well-being Questionnaire, Patient Health Questionnaire, Pain Catastrophizing Scale, and Numeric Rating Scale.ResultsHierarchical multiple regression analysis indicated that a significant portion of the variance in depression scores can be explained by catastrophizing and spiritual well-being. In Multiple Mediation Procedure, pain catastrophizing could negatively mediate the relationship between spiritual well-being and depression when controlling for sociodemographic characteristics and pain intensity.ConclusionsThe findings add some evidence to further support the influence of spiritual well-being on depression levels through diminished pain catastrophizing. The present results could help clinicians to determine which variables should be emphasized for a successful treatment of depression in pain patients. Clinical interventions that increase meaningfulness and purpose in life may allow patients with chronic pain to overcome the maladaptive cognitions associated with pain, thereby reducing depressive symptoms.     

A Psychometric Evaluation of Three Pain Rating Scales for People with Moderate to Severe Dementia

Little comparative information exists regarding the reliability and validity of pain rating scales for nurses to assess pain in people with moderate to severe dementia in residential aged care facilities. The objective of this study was to evaluate the relative psychometric merits of the Abbey Pain Scale, the DOLOPLUS-2 Scale, and the Checklist of Nonverbal Pain Indicators Scale, three well-known pain rating scales that have previously been used to assess pain in nonverbal people with dementia. An observational study design was used. Nurses (n = 26) independently rated a cross-section of people with moderate to severe dementia (n = 126) on two occasions. The Abbey Pain Scale and the DOLOPLUS-2 Scale showed good psychometric qualities in terms of reliability and validity, including resistance to the influence of rater characteristics. The Checklist of Nonverbal Pain Indicators Scale also had reasonable results but was not as psychometrically strong as the Abbey Pain Scale and DOLOPLUS-2 Scale. This study has provided comparative evidence for the reliability and validity of three pain rating scales in a single sample. These scales are strong, objective adjuncts in making comprehensive assessments of pain in people who are unable to self-report pain due to moderate to severe dementia, with each having their own strengths and weaknesses. The DOLOPLUS-2 Scale provides more reliable measurement, and the Abbey Pain Scale may be better suited than the other two scales for use by nurse raters who only occasionally use pain rating scales or who have lower level nursing qualifications.     

Psychometric Properties of the Behavioral Pain Scale in Traumatic Brain Injury

BackgroundPain assessment of patients with traumatic brain injury is a challenge because they are unable to self-report their pain experience.AimsTo investigate the psychometric properties of validity, reliability, and responsiveness of the Brazilian version of the Behavioral Pain Scale (BPS-Br) in patients with traumatic brain injury.MethodsThis was an observational, cross-sectional, repeated-measure and analytical study. This study was developed at the medical and surgical ICUs in a high-complexity public hospital at Aracaju, Sergipe, Brazil. Thirty-seven adult patients with moderate or severe TBI were included. This study was completed with 444 independent observations, a pairwise comparison, and was performed simultaneously before, during, and after eye cleaning and endotracheal suctioning of 37 adult patients with moderate to severe traumatic brain injury.ResultsThe BPS-Br had good internal consistency (.7 ≤ α ≤ .9), good discriminant validity (p < .001), moderate to excellent reliability based on inter-rater agreement (intraclass correlation coefficient = 0.66-1.00; κ = 0.5-1.0), and high responsiveness (0.7-1.7). The upper limbs subscale had the highest score during the nociceptive procedure (1.8 ± 0.9). Deep sedation affected the increase of grading during painful procedures (p < .001).ConclusionsOur results suggest the BPS-Br is a useful tool for clinical practice to evaluate the pain experienced by patients with traumatic brain injury. Further studies of different samples are needed to evaluate the benefits of systematic pain assessment of critically ill patients.     

Usefulness of a Visual Analog Scale for Measuring Anxiety in Hospitalized Patients Experiencing Pain: A Multicenter Cross-Sectional Study

BackgroundAnxiety is common in hospitalized patients and can worsen pain or lead to unsuccessful pain relief.AimsThe purpose of this study was to evaluate the usefulness of measuring anxiety with a visual analog scale (VAS) in the hospitalized patient experiencing pain.DesignWe conducted a multiple-center cross-sectional study.Participants/SubjectsAdult inpatients experiencing moderate to severe pain defined by a pain VAS score ≥40 of 100 were included.MethodsPain and anxiety data were collected using the following instruments: pain VAS, anxiety VAS, State Anxiety Scale of the Spielberger State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI-YA) and Anxiety Subscale of the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HAD-A).ResultsData were collected from 394 patients. Of those patients, 43.6% (171 of 392) and 36.6% (143 of 391) had significant anxiety according to STAI-Ya and HAD-A, respectively. Correlation was good between anxiety-VAS and STAI-YA (ρ = 0.67 [95% confidence interval 0.61-0.72]) and moderate between anxiety VAS and HAD-D (ρ = 0.48 [0.39-0.56]). The main factor predictive of situational anxiety was history of anxiety-depression symptoms (odds ratio = 2.95 [1.93-4.56]). For anxiety VAS score ≥ 40 of 100, the sensitivity for detecting anxiety was 81% with 70% specificity.ConclusionThis study confirmed the high prevalence of anxiety among inpatients experiencing pain, demonstrated the capacity of a VAS to assess this anxiety, determined an anxiety VAS cutoff level to screen for significant anxiety, and identified risk factors of anxiety in this population. Anxiety VAS has been found to be an easy-to-use method familiar to caregivers, with all the advantages needed for an effective screening instrument. An anxiety VAS score ≥40 of 100 would thus warrant particular attention to adapt care to the patient's anxiety-related pain and initiate specific therapeutic interventions.     

A Comparison of the Pain Assessment Checklist for Seniors with Limited Ability to Communicate (PACSLAC) and Pain Assessment in Advanced Dementia Scale (PAINAD)

BackgroundThere is currently no gold standard instrument for assessing pain in severely cognitively impaired adults who are unable to provide self-report.AimsTo determine interrater reliability of the PACSLAC and PAINAD in assessing pain behaviors in patients with the same pain stimulus, determine the consistency of the reliable changes between and within the instruments and assess nurse preference for either instrument.DesignA single-group, within-subjects repeated-measures design was implemented.SettingThe study took place in a small suburban hospital.Participants/SubjectsPain levels were observed at 24, 48, and 72 hours postsurgery using two instruments: Pain Assessment Checklist for Seniors with Limited Ability to Communicate (PACSLAC) and Pain Assessment in Advanced Dementia Scale (PAINAD). These instruments were selected because they are among the most commonly recommended tools for clinical use. Interrater reliability was analyzed along with reliable changes in pain for each period, and the study concluded with the nurse raters completing a preference survey.MethodsA convenience sample of 30 patients was used with a diagnosis of severe dementia rendering the patient unable to reliably express pain, 60+ years of age, recovering from hip fracture surgery.ResultsGreater interrater reliability was found for the PACSLAC, with reliable change potentially affected by the type and level of pain medication. The nurses’ preference for the tool was split.ConclusionsThe results of this study indicate that the PACSLAC may be the more reliable tool over the PAINAD; however, rater training and familiarity with the tool is critical.     

Validation of Greek Versions of the Neonatal Infant Pain Scale and Premature Infant Pain Profile in Neonatal Intensive Care Unit

Background: The Neonatal Infant Pain Scale and the Premature Infant Pain Profile have been used widely in neonatal intensive care units for pain assessment. Aim: This study reports the evaluation and validation of these scales in full-term newborns who were hospitalized in two Greek neonatal intensive care units. Evaluation and validation of the Neonatal Infant Pain Scale and the Premature Infant Pain Profile in full-term newborns who were hospitalized in two Greek neonatal intensive care units. Materials and Methods: This is a cross-sectional study. Two neonatal intensive care units at a large General Children's Hospital in Greece. A total of 81 full-term newborns. This cross-sectional study was conducted in two neonatal intensive care units at a large General Children's Hospital in Greece. We studied 81 full-term newborns, who were exposed to various painful routine procedures. A single measurement was taken from each neonate. Two observers were present during each procedure and evaluated pain using both the Neonatal Infant Pain Scale and Premature Infant Pain Profile. Internal consistency coefficient Cronbach's α, internal class agreement coefficient, and κ factor were appropriately measured. Results: The weighting of the Neonatal Infant Pain Scale and Premature Infant Pain Profile pointed out an excellent coherence between the two scales and agreement among the researchers. The internal consistency coefficient Cronbach's α was >.8 and the internal class agreement coefficient was >.98 for both scales, which indicates an excellent consistency between scales. The κ factor for Neonatal Infant Pain Scale was >.73 and for the Premature Infant Pain Profile it was >.6, which indicates a significant agreement among investigators. Conclusions: The Neonatal Infant Pain Scale and Premature Infant Pain Profile were successfully adjusted in Greek standards with reliability between the scales and among the researchers. Moreover, they constitute reliable tools for the evaluation of neonatal procedural pain in full-term newborns in Greece.     

A Pilot Study on Pain Assessment Using the Japanese Version of the Critical-Care Pain Observation Tool

BackgroundCritically ill patients experience various types of pain that are difficult to assess because patients cannot communicate verbally due to artificial airways and sustained sedation. The Critical-Care Pain Observation Tool (CPOT) objectively evaluates patients’ pain.AimsThis study aimed to re-assess the reliability and validity of the Japanese version (CPOT-J) and to reveal limitations of behaviors specific to mechanically ventilated patients.DesignSecondary analysis of observational pilot study and case report.ParticipantsMethodsWe obtained consent preoperatively from 40 cardiovascular surgery patients. CPOT-J scores were evaluated immediately before, immediately after, and 20 minutes after painful stimulation. Inter-rater reliability was determined by the researcher and 18 ICU nurses (minimum one-year ICU experience). Validity was examined by comparing CPOT-J with vital sign values and patients’ self-reports of pain. Two cases revealed the tool's characteristics: one score was consistent with patient reports while the other was not.ResultsWe evaluated pain in 34 patients (26 men, 8 women; mean age = 66.8 years). Weighted kappa scores ranged from 0.48 to 0.94. The tool only correlated with changes in systolic blood pressure and pulse pressure. Case studies indicated that the tool effectively evaluated mid-sternum-wound pain, but not back pain at rest.ConclusionsThe CPOT-J can assess pain in mechanically ventilated patients, but being immobile results in a score of 0 for body movement (e.g., being immobile while feeling back pain) and is a limitation of the scoring.     

Pain in older persons with severe dementia. Psychometric properties of the Mobilization–Observation–Behaviour–Intensity–Dementia (MOBID‐2) Pain Scale in a clinical setting

Scand J Caring Sci; 2010; 24; 380–391
Pain in older persons with severe dementia. Psychometric properties of the Mobilization–Observation–Behaviour–Intensity–Dementia (MOBID‐2) Pain Scale in a clinical setting Background: To assess pain in older persons with severe dementia is a challenge due to reduced self‐report capacity. Recently, the development and psychometric property testing of the Mobilization–Observation–Behaviour–Intensity–Dementia (MOBID) Pain Scale was described using video‐recording. The purpose of this article was to present the further development of this instrument. In MOBID‐2 Pain Scale, the assessment of inferred pain intensity is based on patient’s pain behaviours in connection with standardized, guided movements of different body parts (Part 1). In addition, MOBID‐2 includes the observation of pain behaviours related to internal organs, head and skin registered on pain drawings and monitored over time (Part 2). Objective: The aim of this study was to examine psychometric properties of the MOBID‐2 Pain Scale, like inter‐rater and test–retest reliability, internal consistency, as well as face‐, construct‐ and concurrent validity. Subjects and Setting: Patients with severe dementia (n = 77) were examined by 28 primary caregivers in clinical practice, who concurrently and independently completed the MOBID‐2 Pain Scale. Characteristics of the patients’ pain were also investigated by their physicians (n = 4). Results: Prevalence of any pain was 81%, with predominance to the musculoskeletal system, highly associated with the MOBID‐2 overall pain score (rho = 0.82). Most frequent and painful were mobilizing legs. Pain in pelvis and/or genital organs was frequently observed. Moderate to excellent agreement was demonstrated for behaviours and pain drawings (κ = 0.41–0.90 and κ = 0.46–0.93). Inter‐rater and test–retest reliability for pain intensity was very good, ICC (1, 1) ranging 0.80–0.94 and 0.60–0.94. Internal consistency was highly satisfactory; Cronbach’s α ranging 0.82–0.84. Face‐, construct‐ and concurrent validity was good. Overall pain intensity by MOBID‐2 was well correlated with physicians’ clinical examination and defined pain variables (rho = 0.41–0.64). Conclusion: On the basis of pain behaviours, standardized movements and pain drawings, MOBID‐2 Pain Scale was shown to be sufficiently reliable, valid and time‐effective for nurses to assess pain in patients with severe dementia.