Stewart et al reported the Alder Hey Triage Pain Score (AHTPS) for evaluating a pediatric patient with pain. This can be used at the initial assessment and following interventions to see if there is improvement. The authors are from Liverpool Children's Hospital at Alder Hey in England.
Patient selection: conscious pediatric patient 0 to 16 years old in the Emergency Department
Parameters:
(1) cry or voice
(2) facial expression
(3) posture
(4) movements
(5) skin color
|
Parameter |
Finding |
Points |
|
cry or voice |
none with age-appropriate communication |
0 |
|
|
considerable crying, not talking or negative |
1 |
|
|
inconsolable. complaining if able |
2 |
|
facial expression |
normal, no grimacing |
0 |
|
|
grimacing < 50% of the time |
1 |
|
|
grimacing >= 50% of the time |
2 |
|
posture |
normal |
0 |
|
|
touching, rubbing. sparing |
1 |
|
|
defensive, tense |
2 |
|
movements |
immobile |
2 |
|
|
reduced |
1 |
|
|
normal |
0 |
|
|
restless |
1 |
|
|
thrashing |
2 |
|
skin color |
normal |
0 |
|
|
pale |
1 |
|
|
very pale or "green" |
2 |
total score =
= SUM(points for all 5 parameters)
Interpretation:
• minimum score: 0
• maximum score: 10
• The higher the score the more severe the pain behavior.
Specialty: Pedatrics
ICD-10: ,
