Accurate pain assessment in preterm infants in neonatal intensive care unit is complex. Infants who are born at early gestational ages, and who have had greater early pain exposure, may have less intense facial responses which may lead to under-treatment for pain.
The BIIP scale is a uni-dimensional scale which combines the most specific, individual behavioural indicators, including developmentally relevant, theoretically derived body movements, for assessing acute pain in infants. It has been shown reliable in real-time assessment and practical for clinical use.
A user manual is now available. For a copy please contact Dr. Liisa Holsti at lholsti@cw.bc.ca
