Developing and Field Testing the Pain and Functional Performance Assessment for Individuals with Chronic Pain

Abstract

Objective: There is a need for a comprehensive instrument to assess a person's ability to function with chronic pain. In response to this, the Pain and Functional Performance Assessment-Final Version [PFPA-FV] was developed to enable individuals and healthcare professionals to identify the extent to which daily occupations are affected by pain.

Method: First, an initial version of the assessment, the PFPA, was developed using the American Occupational Therapy Association Practice Framework as a guide [American Occupational Therapy Association: Occupational therapy practice framework: Domain and process. Am J Occup Ther 56(6): 609–639, 2002]. The PFPA was then administered through face-to-face interviews to a convenience sample of 25 participants who reported having chronic pain. All participants lived independently. To determine the face and content validity of the PFPA, the participants also completed feedback questionnaires. The PFPA and a separate feedback questionnaire were given to an expert panel of 17 practicing occupational therapists. Data were analyzed via the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences and a content analysis of responses to open-ended questions. The assessment was then revised based on this feedback.

Results: The majority of participants felt the assessment addressed important areas of daily life. The occupational therapy expert panel gave positive feedback about the assessment. Pertinent recommendations were offered from both participants and experts. The researchers responded by revising the instrument and thus developing the PFPA-Final Version.

Conclusion: This study suggests the PFPA-Final Version may be effective in determining the extent to which pain affects the performance of everyday activities.

KEYWORDS:

• Assessment
• chronic pain
• occupation
• occupational therapy
• function