The goal of this observational pilot study is to evaluate whether video-based visual scenarios representing different levels of pain are preferred over the traditional Numerical Rating Scale (NRS) by postoperative patients. The study also investigates the clarity and interpretability of both methods and examines the level of agreement between the selected video and the reported NRS score.
This prospective, observational, single-center pilot study evaluates the usability and preference of a novel video-based pain expression method compared to the standard Numerical Rating Scale (NRS) in postoperative adult patients. Videos representing 5 different pain intensities (NRS 1-2, 3-4, 5-6, 7-8, 9-10) were created using AI-assisted scenario generation and VEO-3 video production tools. Each video features age- and sex-matched models (male and female in three age categories: 18-44, 45-65, \>65 years) demonstrating realistic, simulated pain expressions. In the recovery unit, patients aged 18 and above will be shown the video series and asked to: Select the video that best reflects their current pain Report their pain using the NRS Indicate which method (video or NRS) they prefer for expressing pain Indicate which method they found easier to understand Collected data will include demographic variables, surgical details, comorbidities, and responses to the pain assessment tools. The study will enroll at least 82 participants based on power analysis. Data will be anonymized and analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics including Chi-square, Spearman correlation, and p\<0.05 significance level. The planned sample size was amended prior to the enrollment of the first patient, increasing from 120 to 240 participants. This adjustment was made to ensure sufficient statistical power for planned subgroup analyses.
Study Type
OBSERVATIONAL
Enrollment
240
The Numerical Rating Scale (NRS) is a standardized, self-reported pain assessment tool in which patients are asked to rate their pain intensity on a scale from 0 to 10. 0 represents "no pain" 10 represents "the worst pain imaginable"
This novel pain assessment method involves showing postoperative patients a set of pre-recorded video scenarios that visually represent different levels of pain intensity. The videos are 8 seconds long and were created using AI-generated scripts and VEO-3 software. Each scenario corresponds to a specific Numerical Rating Scale (NRS) range (1-2, 3-4, 5-6, 7-8, 9-10) and is portrayed by actors matched to the patient's age group and gender (18-44, 45-65, \>65 years; male and female versions available). Participants are asked to watch the full video set and select the one that best represents their current postoperative pain experience. This intervention is designed to offer a visual and contextual method of pain expression, particularly beneficial for patients who have difficulty understanding or using abstract numerical scales.
Health Science University İstanbul Kanuni Sultan Süleyman Education and Training Hospital
Istanbul, Istanbul, Turkey (Türkiye)
Patient Preference Between Video-Based and Numerical Rating Scale (NRS) Pain Assessment Methods
This outcome evaluates which pain assessment method patients prefer after being exposed to both the video-based pain expression scenarios and the traditional NRS scale. Patients will be asked, "Which method did you prefer to express your pain?" and their answers (Video or NRS) will be recorded. The result will be reported as the proportion of participants preferring each method.
Time frame: Immediately after postoperative evaluation in the recovery unit (within 1 hour after surgery)
Concordance Between Selected Video and Reported NRS Score
Assesses the degree of agreement between the video that the patient selects to represent their pain and the corresponding NRS score they provide.
Time frame: Immediately after postoperative evaluation
Perceived Clarity of Pain Assessment Methods
Evaluates which method (Video or NRS) patients found easier to understand. Patients will answer the question: "Which method was easier for you to understand when expressing your pain?" The outcome will be reported as the frequency and percentage distribution of preferences.
Time frame: Immediately after postoperative evaluation
Influence of Demographics on Method Preference
This outcome will analyze whether age or sex affects the patient's preference for either the video-based or NRS method. Subgroup analysis will be performed to explore trends in preference across different demographic categories.
Time frame: Immediately after postoperative evaluation
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