Effectiveness of the visually enlarged numerical rating scale for pain management in mechanically ventilated patients: A retrospective before-and-after study

Background: Self-report pain assessment scales help avoid underestimating patients’ pain. Aims: To assess the effectiveness of the visually enlarged 0–10 numerical rating scale (NRS-V) for pain management in mechanically ventilated patients. Methods: The NRS-V was used at each bedside during the intervention phase. Patients mechanically ventilated for ≥48 h were included. The pain assessment rates using the NRS and patient outcomes were compared between the control and intervention groups. Findings: Overall, 196 patients were enrolled (control group, 97; intervention group, 99). The pain assessment rate using the NRS was significantly higher during the intervention than during the control phase (63.3% vs 36.7%, P