1 Before you use it
What it is
Two constructs, cleanly separated: a severity score (worst, least, average, now) and a 7-item interference score — general activity, mood, walking, work, relations, sleep, enjoyment of life.
The interference scale is the useful half and it is what distinguishes BPI from a pain rating.
When to reach for it
Persistent pain, and any presentation where you want interference measured properly rather than inferred. Widely used in cancer and palliative settings, which is where you'll see it referenced.
2 Giving it
Scoring
Severity: mean of four 0–10 items. Interference: mean of seven 0–10 items. Report both. A body diagram is included.
Short and long forms exist.
What it doesn’t measure
Fear, catastrophising or self-efficacy.
3 Reading the score
Interpreting it
Severity and interference diverging is the finding. High severity with low interference is a different patient from the reverse.
Is the change real?
Student trap. Reporting severity only. The interference half is why you chose this instrument.
Official source: mdanderson.org. We don't host the form.
This is a learning tool. It does not diagnose patients and does not replace your clinical educator.
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CliniStudy is in beta. One tap is enough — it decides what gets fixed first.