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NCT Number: NCT07051304

Video-Based Versus Numerical Pain Assessment in Postoperative Patients: A Pilot Study

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.

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Key information

Conditions

Pain Assessment Scales

Age range

18 year and older

Sex eligibility

All sexes

Study type

Observational

Primary location

Health Science University İstanbul Kanuni Sultan Süleyman Education and Training Hospital

Istanbul, 34303, Turkey (Türkiye)

About this study

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.

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: No

Only the study team can determine whether someone qualifies for participation.

Inclusion criteria

  • Age ≥ 18 years
  • Undergoing any type of surgery
  • Admitted to the postoperative recovery unit (PACU) in stable condition
  • Able to understand and respond to questions
  • Provide written informed consent (ICF)

Exclusion criteria

  • Age < 18 years
  • Refusal or inability to provide informed consent
  • Visual impairment or blindness
  • Impaired consciousness or cognitive inability to complete the questionnaire
  • History of psychiatric illness
  • Planned postoperative ICU admission
  • Patients undergoing surgery for intracranial mass
  • History of seizure disorders

Treatment and study plan

numerical rating scale

Other

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"

Video-Based Pain Expression Scenarios

Other

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.

Primary outcomes

  1. Patient Preference Between Video-Based and Numerical Rating Scale (NRS) Pain Assessment Methods

    Time frame: Immediately after postoperative evaluation in the recovery unit (within 1 hour after surgery)

    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.

Secondary outcomes

  1. Concordance Between Selected Video and Reported NRS Score

    Time frame: Immediately after postoperative evaluation

    Assesses the degree of agreement between the video that the patient selects to represent their pain and the corresponding NRS score they provide.

  2. Perceived Clarity of Pain Assessment Methods

    Time frame: Immediately after postoperative evaluation

    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.

  3. Influence of Demographics on Method Preference

    Time frame: Immediately after postoperative evaluation

    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.

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

Kanuni Sultan Suleyman Training and Research Hospital

Other

Registry information

Official study title

Evaluation of Patient Preference and Interpretability of Video-Based Pain Expression Scenarios Compared to the Numerical Rating Scale (NRS) in the Postoperative Period: A Prospective Single-Center Pilot Study

Important dates

Study start
2025
Primary completion
2025
Study completion
2026
First posted
Jul 4, 2025
Registry last updated
Jan 13, 2026

OpenTrials presents study information sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov. The official registry record should be consulted for the latest information.

View the official ClinicalTrials.gov record (opens in a new tab)

This listing is for discovery and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice, does not guarantee that a study is recruiting, and does not determine eligibility. Contact the study team and a qualified healthcare professional when considering participation.

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