Éléments de réflexion éthique sur l'utilisation des outils d'auto-évaluation de la douleur

Pain self-assessment scales (Visual Analogue Scale, Verbal Rating Scale, Numerical Rating Scale) are today consistently used. However, using self-assessment scales cannot be the only way to consider fully pain complaint. Structural difficulties to express and quantify the pain should not be ignored. Physicians and caregivers must consider pain complaint in its entirety. Beyond their clinical relevance, it seems important to examine self-assessment scales' effects on doctor-patient relationship. Mechanically used, self-assessment scales could reduce medical care to a technical one.