Prevalence and correlates of pain and pain treatment in a western Kenya referral hospital.

Background: Pain is often inadequately evaluated and treated in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA).

Objective: We sought to assess pain levels and pain treatment in 400 hospitalized patients at a national referral hospital in western Kenya, and to identify factors associated with pain and pain treatment.

Design: Using face-validated Kiswahili versions of two single-item pain assessment tools, the Numerical Rating Scale (NRS) and the Faces Pain Scale-Revised (FPS-R), we determined patients' pain levels.

Assessment of the face validity of two pain scales in Kenya: a validation study using cognitive interviewing.

Background: Patients in sub-Saharan Africa commonly experience pain, which often is un-assessed and undertreated. One hindrance to routine pain assessment in these settings is the lack of a single-item pain rating scale validated for the particular context. The goal of this study was to examine the face validity and cultural acceptability of two single-item pain scales, the Numerical Rating Scale (NRS) and the Faces Pain Scale-Revised (FPS-R), in a population of patients on the medical, surgical, and pediatric wards of Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital in Kenya.

Financial impact of palliative care consultation in a public hospital.

Background: Palliative care programs assist with prognostication, symptom control, and communication with patient and family. Hospitals often require financial justification for new programs Objective: Study the financial impact of the palliative care consultation (PCc) service in a public hospital.

Setting/subjects: From January to December 2005, 258 deaths occurred on the medicine service.