Measuring pain and suffering is complex due to its subjective nature. Common methods include:
- Self-Reported Surveys: Tools like the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) and the McGill Pain Questionnaire are widely used to assess pain levels. - Clinical Assessments: Healthcare providers often use clinical assessments and diagnostic tests to evaluate pain and its sources. - Quality of Life Instruments: Instruments such as the SF-36 and the EQ-5D incorporate pain and suffering into broader quality of life measurements.