Practice abstract
British Dental Journal 193, 447 - 450 (2002)
Published online: 26 October 2002 | doi:10.1038/sj.bdj.4801593
Visual/verbal analogue scales: Examples of brief assessment methods to aid management of child and adult patients in clinical practice
H R Chapman1 & N Kirby-Turner2
- A technique which takes very little chairside time
- Once learned this technique can be used in a flexible way for many different purposes.
- The technique maintains communication with patients when their mouths are full of instruments.
- Enhances the patients' sense of being understood and treated sympathetically.
- This technique is a practice-builder
Abstract
The flexible use of a visual/verbal analogue scale – the thermometer – is described as a means of monitoring patients' levels of cognitive fear, trust, pain and self-esteem during treatment visits. Variations for use with very young children and those with physical and learning disabilities are also described.
- Registered Specialist in Paediatric Dentistry, 6 Woodlands Way, Southwater, Horsham, W Sussex RH13 9HZ
- Consultant Clinical Psychologist, Department of Clinical Psychology, Mid Sussex NHS Trust, The Princess Royal Hospital, Lewes Rd, Haywards Heath, W Sussex RH16 4EX
Correspondence to: e-mail: helen.chapman@tesco.net