Video-Based Versus Numerical Pain Assessment in Postoperative Patients: A Pilot Study

Not yet recruiting

• Conditions: Pain Assessment Scales

• Registration Number: NCT07051304
• Lead Sponsor: Kanuni Sultan Suleyman Training and Research Hospital

Brief Summary

The goal of this observational pilot study is to evaluate whether video-based visual scenarios representing different levels of pain are preferred over the traditional Numerical Rating Scale (NRS) by postoperative patients. The study also investigates the clarity and interpretability of both methods and examines the level of agreement between the selected video and the reported NRS score.

Detailed Description

This prospective, observational, single-center pilot study evaluates the usability and preference of a novel video-based pain expression method compared to the standard Numerical Rating Scale (NRS) in postoperative adult patients. Videos representing 5 different pain intensities (NRS 1-2, 3-4, 5-6, 7-8, 9-10) were created using AI-assisted scenario generation and VEO-3 video production tools. Each video features age- and sex-matched models (male and female in three age categories: 18-44, 45-65, \>65 years) demonstrating realistic, simulated pain expressions.

In the recovery unit, patients aged 18 and above will be shown the video series and asked to:

Select the video that best reflects their current pain

Report their pain using the NRS

Indicate which method (video or NRS) they prefer for expressing pain

Indicate which method they found easier to understand

Collected data will include demographic variables, surgical details, comorbidities, and responses to the pain assessment tools. The study will enroll at least 82 participants based on power analysis.

Data will be anonymized and analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics including Chi-square, Spearman correlation, and p\<0.05 significance level.

Study Timeline

• Status Verified: 2025-06
• Study First Submitted: 2025-06-25
• Study First Submitted QC: 2025-06-25
• Last Update Submitted: 2025-06-25
• Study First Posted: 2025-07-04
• Last Update Posted: 2025-07-04
• Study Start: 2025-07-15
• Primary Completion: 2025-11-15
• Study Completion: 2025-11-15

Recruitment & Eligibility

• Status: NOT_YET_RECRUITING
• Sex: All
• Target Recruitment: 120

Inclusion Criteria

• Age ≥ 18 years
• Undergoing any type of surgery
• Admitted to the postoperative recovery unit (PACU) in stable condition
• Able to understand and respond to questions
• Provide written informed consent (ICF)

Exclusion Criteria

• Age < 18 years
• Refusal or inability to provide informed consent
• Visual impairment or blindness
• Impaired consciousness or cognitive inability to complete the questionnaire
• History of psychiatric illness
• Planned postoperative ICU admission
• Patients undergoing surgery for intracranial mass
• History of seizure disorders

Study & Design

• Study Type: OBSERVATIONAL
• Study Design: Not specified

Primary Outcome Measures

Name	Time	Method
Patient Preference Between Video-Based and Numerical Rating Scale (NRS) Pain Assessment Methods	Immediately after postoperative evaluation in the recovery unit (within 1 hour after surgery)	This outcome evaluates which pain assessment method patients prefer after being exposed to both the video-based pain expression scenarios and the traditional NRS scale. Patients will be asked, "Which method did you prefer to express your pain?" and their answers (Video or NRS) will be recorded. The result will be reported as the proportion of participants preferring each method.

Secondary Outcome Measures

Name	Time	Method
Concordance Between Selected Video and Reported NRS Score	Immediately after postoperative evaluation	Assesses the degree of agreement between the video that the patient selects to represent their pain and the corresponding NRS score they provide.
Perceived Clarity of Pain Assessment Methods	Immediately after postoperative evaluation	Evaluates which method (Video or NRS) patients found easier to understand. Patients will answer the question: "Which method was easier for you to understand when expressing your pain?" The outcome will be reported as the frequency and percentage distribution of preferences.
Influence of Demographics on Method Preference	Immediately after postoperative evaluation	This outcome will analyze whether age or sex affects the patient's preference for either the video-based or NRS method. Subgroup analysis will be performed to explore trends in preference across different demographic categories.

Trial Locations

Locations (1)

Health Science University İstanbul Kanuni Sultan Süleyman Education and Training Hospital; 🇹🇷 Istanbul, Turkey