visual analogue scale (VAS)

Abstract

syn. linear analogue self assessment (LASA); scale with finite boundaries at 0 and 100 mm (end of the scale) for the conventional 10 cm line presentation; in general such scales are more reliable and sensitive but also more difficult to explain to patients than e.g. a Numerical Pain Scale (NPS, discontinuous 0 to 10 data collection between the same boundaries) ordinal scales; an “anchored” or “categorized” VAS has the addition of one or more intermediate marks positioned along the line with reference terms assigned to each mark to help subjects to identify the locations between the ends of the scale; → see also scale, quality of life scale.