Critical Care Pain Observation Tool (CPOT) Behavioral Scale in the Assessment of Pain in Critically Ill Patients: Integrative Review

• DOI: https://doi.org/10.22533/at.ed.1595212512054

• Palavras-chave: Pain Measurement; Behaviour Rating Scale; Critical Care Nursing; Intensive Care Units

• Keywords: Pain Measurement; Behaviour Rating Scale; Critical Care Nursing; Intensive Care Units

• Abstract:

  patients unable to communicate verbally and is recommended by several international guidelines. Objective: To analyze the available evidence on the use of CPOT in assessing pain in critically ill patients, considering its validity, reliability, clinical applicability, and impact on pain management. Material and Methods: Integrative literature review, following the Joanna Briggs Institute methodology. A search was conducted in databases using the EBSCO platform, and five studies published between 2019 and 2024 were included. Results: The studies indicate that the CPOT is a valid and reliable scale, with good correlation with other behavioral scales and proven applicability in contexts of deep sedation and invasive ventilation. In addition, its use was associated with reduced pain intensity, optimized analgesia, and improved clinical outcomes, such as shorter mechanical ventilation and hospital stay. Conclusion: The CPOT is a useful and effective tool for the systematic assessment of pain in critically ill patients, reinforcing the role of the nurse specialist in evidence-based clinical decision-making.