Is training necessary for efficacious use of the Glasgow Feline Composite Measure Pain Scale?

OBJECTIVE

The Glasgow Feline Composite Measure Pain Scale (CMPS-F) is a validated cat pain assessment tool for clinical use. No research has examined how training impacts use of this tool. Thus, we examined whether seminar-style training improves the identification of cat pain when using the CMPS-F. Veterinarians ( = 17) and non-veterinarian staff ( = 33; N = 50) were recruited to participate.

PROCEDURE

Seminars included: i) pre-training use of the CMPS-F to score cat videos with varying degrees of pain; ii) cat pain assessment training; and iii) post-training use of the CMPS-F. Participant CMPS-F ratings were compared to experts' ratings of the same videos. Average CMPS-F scores and analgesic decision ratings were compared pre-and post-training.

RESULTS

Most participants were female non-veterinarian staff who had not heard of the CMPS-F. Participant and expert analgesic decision-making did not differ pre- ( = 1.0) and post-training ( = 0.1). In addition, analgesic decision-making was similar between participants and experts for all but 3/20 videos.

CONCLUSION AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE

Seminar training may not be necessary for efficacious use of the CMPS-F. Further research is needed to explore strategies for improving awareness of cat pain assessment tools and increasing in-clinic use.