This version was machine-translated from German and has not been medically reviewed. The authoritative version is the German version.

BOPS – Behavioral Observational Pain Scale

Facial expression, verbalization, body posture 0–2 points each – analgesia from 3 points (Hesselgard 2007)

Facial expression

normal conversation, laughs, composed 0 negative, worried 1 negative, grimacing, distorted face 2

Verbalization

normal speech, laughing, crowing 0 completely quiet / not speaking, or sobbing/complaining unrelated to pain 1 Crying, screaming and/or complaining of pain 2

Posture

inactive, lies relaxed with all limbs, or sits, walks 0 restless movements, shifts and/or touches the wound 1 lies stiffly and/or draws arms and legs toward the body 2

Calculation aid for healthcare professionals: the calculator reproduces what the sources cited assign to the inputs. Clinical assessment and every treatment decision remain with the treating physician. Inputs and results are not stored.

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Sources

Validity and reliability of the Behavioural Observational Pain Scale for postoperative pain measurement in children 1–7 years of age (Pediatr Crit Care Med 8:102–108) Hesselgard K, Larsson S, Romner B, Strömblad LG, Reinstrup P, 2007. Original paper (items per concordant reproductions)

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Note

Calculation aid for healthcare professionals. Clinical assessment remains with the treating physician.

Review date of the German original: 2026-11-05 · Methodology

Frequently asked questions

BOPS – Behavioral Observational Pain Scale: What does this calculator compute?

Behavioural Observational Pain Scale (Hesselgard 2007) for postoperative pain in children aged 1–7 years: three items with 0–2 points each, total 0–6; from 3 points pain treatment is recommended.

BOPS – Behavioral Observational Pain Scale: Which sources is this calculator based on?

Hesselgard K, Larsson S, Romner B, Strömblad LG, Reinstrup P: Validity and reliability of the Behavioural Observational Pain Scale for postoperative pain measurement in children 1–7 years of age (Pediatr Crit Care Med 8:102–108) (2007)