In this article, TJC attempts to make several things clear about PC.01.02.07, EP 1-3 and its requirements for pain assessment. It does not require or specify:

•  The use of any particular treatment modality (pharmacological on non-pharmacological)
•  The method for conducting pain assessment
•  The use of numerical pain scales
•  When reassessments are to occur

The author also references an NEJM article entitled ‘Intensity of chronic pain—The wrong metric?’ that criticizes the practice of relying totally on numerical intensity scales when assessing patients with chronic pain. TJC believes this criticism is also valid for the assessment of acute pain and makes the point that sometimes a qualitative (e.g., mild, moderate, severe) in stead of quantitative (e.g., 10-point rating scale) is not only acceptable, but more appropriate. This should all be based on the “critical first step” of conducting a comprehensive assessment.
Tip: Make sure your pain assessments are designed to be comprehensive, consistent with the individual patient’s ability to understand and that you have defined reassessment criteria.
See also: The National Pain Strategy: a comprehensive population health-level strategy for pain.