Behavioural Observational Pain Scale (BOPS) for Post-Operative Paediatric Pain
Three-item observational pain scale for post-operative pain assessment in children aged 1-7 years. Validated in children unable to self-report pain. Uses facial expression, verbalisation, and body position.
Score interpretation
Below the analgesia threshold (BOPS ≥ 3)
→ Continue regular assessment (about every 3 hours) and non-pharmacological comfort measures; document the score.
BOPS 3–6 — pain requiring analgesia
→ Give analgesia as prescribed (doses from a children's formulary and local protocol); reassess after analgesia; escalate to the pain team or anaesthetist if pain persists.
Interpretation bands for the BOPS. Apply clinical judgement and local guidance.
References
- Hesselgard K, et al. Validity and reliability of the Behavioural Observational Pain Scale for postoperative pain measurement in children 1–7 years of age. Pediatr Crit Care Med. 2007;8(2):102–108.
Related
Curated clinical cross-links plus same-class fallbacks.
- Numeric Rating Scale (NRS) for Pain · Pain Assessment
- Critical-Care Pain Observation Tool (CPOT) · Pain Assessment
- Behavioral Pain Scale (BPS) for Ventilated Patients · Pain Assessment
- Pain Assessment in Advanced Dementia Scale (PAINAD) · Pain Assessment
- Abbey Pain Scale for Dementia · Pain Assessment
- DN4 Questionnaire for Neuropathic Pain · Pain Assessment
- Oxycodone (Orthopaedic Post-operative Pain) · Opioid Analgesic — Strong
- Paracetamol (Paediatric) · Analgesic / Antipyretic — First-Line Pain and Fever in Children
- Morphine (Paediatric) · Opioid Analgesic — Moderate to Severe Pain in Children
- Morphine (PCA — Post-Operative Pain) · Opioid Analgesic — Patient-Controlled Analgesia
- Tramadol (Post-Operative Pain) · Weak Opioid / Serotonin-Noradrenaline Reuptake Inhibitor (Analgesic)
- Morphine · Opioid Analgesic — Severe Ureteric Colic / Post-Operative Pain
Decision support only — verify against a current formulary, NICE, or your local guideline before clinical use.