About the Defense and Veterans Pain Rating Scale (DVPRS)
The Defense and Veterans Pain Rating Scale (DVPRS) is a pain assessment tool that utilizes a numerical rating scale enhanced by functional word descriptors, color coding, and pictorial facial expressions matched to pain levels. Four supplemental questions measure how much pain interferes with usual activity and sleep, and affects mood and contributes to stress.
DVPRS DOWNLOADABLE VERSIONS
- DVPRS pocket card 7x5
- DVPRS pocket card w/references
- DVPRS w/instructions - 11x5
Note: Permission is granted for clinicians, researchers and organizations to freely use the DVPRS as is, without alteration. If used in revised or altered form (including use without supplemental questions), it should not be labeled or referred to as the Defense and Veterans Pain Rating Scale (DVPRS).
TESTIMONIAL
“I used the DVPRS yesterday afternoon for the first time. Indeed, the process allowed me to obtain information from the patient I think I would otherwise not have appreciated from my usual assessment. Specifically, it was the way the pain has interfered with sleep that bothered her the most, affecting her mood and causing her stress. That conversation confirmed the choices she and I made about how to address her pain. The rating scale added depth to my understanding and made me feel more solid in my recommendations...”
Jennifer Boyd, PA-C
Primary Care Provider in a Federally Qualified Health Center, West Virginia
Rebranding DVPRS: Clinicians, researchers and organizations may request permission to re-brand the DVPRS (see below) to more effectively reach their respective patient population. Contact DVCIPM for more information.
DVPRS Videos
This video provides an overview of why the DVPRS was developed and how it can be utilized in clinical care. (opens on Vimeo)
DVPRS FROM A PATIENT'S PERSPECTIVE
The video provides an overview from the patients perspective of how the DVPRS improves the pain conversation between a clinician and patient, and why that is important for improving outcomes not only in pain intensity, but other areas such as physical functioning. (Opens on Vimeo)
