The premature infant pain profile-revised (PIPP-R): initial validation and feasibility

Clin J Pain. 2014 Mar;30(3):238-43. doi: 10.1097/AJP.0b013e3182906aed.

Abstract

Objectives: To describe revisions to the Premature Infant Pain Profile (PIPP) and initial construct validation and feasibility of the Premature Infant Pain Profile-Revised (PIPP-R).

Methods: The PIPP was revised to enhance validity and feasibility. To validate the PIPP-R, data from 2 randomized cross-over studies were utilized to: (1) calculate and compare PIPP and PIPP-R scores in extremely low gestational age infants undergoing a painful and nonpainful event (N=52; dataset #1) and (2) calculate and compare PIPP and PIPP-R scores in assessing the effectiveness of (a) sucrose, (b) non-nutritive sucking (NNS)+sucrose, and (c) facilitated tucking+NNS+sucrose during heel lance (N = 85; dataset #2). Pearson correlations between PIPP and PIPP-R scores were calculated, and Student t tests and 1-way analysis of variance were used to determine construct validity during painful and nonpainful events. To establish feasibility, a survey of 31 Neonatal Intensive Care Unit nurses was conducted.

Results: PIPP-R scores were significantly lower during nonpainful (mean, 8.3; SD = 2.9) compared with painful (mean, 9.9; SD=3.1; t95 = 4.51, P = 0.036) events in extremely low gestational age infants in dataset #1. In dataset #2, PIPP-R scores were significantly lower in infants 25 to 41 weeks gestation in the group receiving NNS+sucrose compared with the other 2 groups (F2,79 = 2.9, P<0.05). Overall, nurses rated the PIPP-R as feasible.

Discussion: Initial construct validation and feasibility of the PIPP-R was demonstrated. Further testing with infants of varying gestational ages, diagnoses, and pain conditions is required; as is exploration of PIPP-R in relation to other types of physiological and cognitive responses.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Validation Study

MeSH terms

  • Facial Expression
  • Feasibility Studies
  • Gestational Age
  • Heart Rate
  • Humans
  • Infant
  • Infant Behavior
  • Infant, Extremely Premature*
  • Infant, Premature
  • Intensive Care Units, Neonatal
  • Nurses
  • Pain / diagnosis*
  • Pain Measurement / methods*
  • Physical Examination
  • Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
  • Sucking Behavior
  • Sucrose

Substances

  • Sucrose