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Critical Care Pain Observation Tool (CPOT)

Behavioural pain assessment in critically ill adults unable to self-report.

Critical Care Pain Observation Tool (CPOT)
Facial expression
Body movements
Muscle tension (passive flexion/extension)
Ventilator compliance (intubated) or vocalisation (extubated)
Result0 points

Minimal behavioural evidence of pain.

Total
0 / 8

When to use

  • Serial pain assessment in mechanically ventilated or otherwise non-communicative ICU adults.

Formula

Sum of four domains (facial expression, body movements, muscle tension, ventilator compliance or vocalisation), each 0-2. Range 0-8; >2 indicates significant pain.

References

  1. Gelinas C, et al. Am J Crit Care. 2006;15(4):420-7.