Abbey Pain Scale Calculator
For assessment of possible pain in people with advanced dementia or impaired communication.
Clinical note: This calculator supports clinical observation only.
It does not diagnose pain or replace professional assessment. The Abbey Pain Scale
does not fully distinguish distress from pain, so reassessment after comfort or
analgesic interventions is important.
Examples: whimpering, groaning, crying
Examples: looking tense, frowning, grimacing, looking frightened
Examples: fidgeting, rocking, guarding part of body, withdrawn
Examples: increased confusion, refusing to eat, altered usual patterns
Examples: temperature, pulse or blood pressure outside normal limits, sweating, flushing, pallor
Examples: skin tears, pressure areas, arthritis, contractures, previous injuries
Total Abbey Pain Score: 0 / 18
No pain
References
- Abbey J, Piller N, De Bellis A, Esterman A, Parker D, Giles L, Lowcay B. The Abbey pain scale: a 1-minute numerical indicator for people with end-stage dementia. International Journal of Palliative Nursing. 2004;10(1):6–13.
- Australian / NHS Abbey Pain Scale forms: six observed categories scored 0–3, total score 0–18, with interpretation bands: 0–2 no pain, 3–7 mild, 8–13 moderate, 14+ severe.
