Chinese Med J Peking
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Chinese Med J Peking · Nov 1992
Comparative StudyComparison of two pain rating scales among Chinese cancer patients.
The Simple Descriptive Scale (SDS) has been known to be easier to use, but lacks sensitivity when compared to the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS). In this study, 79 cancer patients quantified the intensity of their pain experience on both the VAS and SDS before receiving pain therapy and on the fifth day after commencing the therapy. ⋯ The results demonstrate that the SDS provides a simpler and, perhaps, equally sensitive alternative to the VAS, in measurement of cancer pain among Chinese patients. It would be particularly useful for those with language barriers and/or other factors in understanding the requirements or the VAS.