Validation of the English version of the UNESP-Botucatu multidimensional composite pain scale for assessing postoperative pain in cats

Abstract

BackgroundA scale validated in one language is not automatically valid in another language or culture. The purpose of this study was to validate the English version of the UNESP-Botucatu multidimensional composite pain scale (MCPS) to assess postoperative pain in cats. The English version was developed using translation, back-translation, and review by individuals with expertise in feline pain management. In sequence, validity and reliability tests were performed.ResultsOf the three domains identified by factor analysis, the internal consistency was excellent for ‘pain expression’ and ‘psychomotor change’ (0.86 and 0.87) but not for ‘physiological variables’ (0.28). Relevant changes in pain scores at clinically distinct time points (e.g., post-surgery, post-analgesic therapy), confirmed the construct validity and responsiveness (Wilcoxon test, p < 0.001). Favorable correlation with the IVAS scores (p < 0.001) and moderate to very good agreement between blinded observers and ‘gold standard’ evaluations, supported criterion validity. The cut-off point for rescue analgesia was > 7 (range 0–30 points) with 96.5% sensitivity and 99.5% specificity.ConclusionsThe English version of the UNESP-Botucatu-MCPS is a valid, reliable and responsive instrument for assessing acute pain in cats undergoing ovariohysterectomy, when used by anesthesiologists or anesthesia technicians. The cut-off point for rescue analgesia provides an additional tool for guiding analgesic therapy.

Pain assessment in cats undergoing ovariohysterectomy by midline or lateral celiotomy through use of a previously validated multidimensional composite pain scale

“…This scale, which has recently been validated 17 , is a major breakthrough in the evaluation of acute postoperative pain in cats by minimizing the subjectivity factor 16,18 . Previously, onedimensional or adapted scales from other species were the only tools for assessing pain in cats.…”

“…A multidimensional scale for assessment of acute postoperative pain was initially developed to evaluate analgesic response in cats undergoing OH, and has been carefully refined [16][17][18] .…”

The effect of epidurally administered dexamethasone with lignocaine for post-operative analgesia in dogs undergoing ovariohysterectomy. A dose-response study

“…A combination of scores, based on previous studies 20,21 that evaluated postoperative pain in small animals, was used, and the same blinded observer did all evaluations. The return of motor function was considered to have occurred when there was spontaneous movement of the pelvic limbs and presence of a pedal reflex after the epidural administration of lignocaine, according to the movement criteria in Table 1.…”

Diagnosis of Pain in Small Companion Animals

“…However, this type of scoring system seems to be more sensitive than a SDS and less vulnerable to inter-observer variability than a VAS (Holton et al, 1998). Moreover, the GCPT-SF and the UNESP-Botucatu MCPS in languages different from the original one have been submitted to a validation process by mean of psychometric tests (Reid et al, 2011;Brondani et al, 2013b), rendering them applicable in different Countries.…”

“…The last two scales have been validated in the English language through a validation process by the mean of psychometric test (Reid et al, 2007;Brondani et al, 2013b).…”