Recalled pain scores are not reliable after acute trauma

Abstract Introduction Pain research in emergency settings can be problematic, as data collection is logistically difficult and pain levels are often poorly documented. Short-term recall of acute pain has been evaluated in postoperative, labour and procedural pain, with variable reported accuracy. The reliability of pain recall in trauma resuscitation patients is unknown. This study aims to determine the accuracy of short-term pain recall 1–2 days after trauma. Methods Prospective, cohort study of trauma resuscitation patients transported by ambulance to a major trauma centre. Patients with haemodynamic instability (SBP   120) or GCS  Results 88 trauma resuscitation patients (mean age 44 years ± 18 SD, male 74%, mean ISS: 7 ± 5 SD) were enrolled over a 5 month study period. Comparison of immediate and recalled pain scores produced Spearman's correlation coefficients of 0.71 for initial pain, 0.56 for pain during transport, and 0.45 for minimum pain scores. Discussion In our study patients did not accurately recall their pain levels 1–2 days after acute trauma. The results suggest that retrospective pain ratings are not reliable in trauma patients.