Numerical Rating Scale

Numerical Rating Scale (NRS)

The NRS is comprised of one item and represents the numbers 0 (“no itch”) to 10 (“worst imaginable itch”). Subjects are asked to rate the intensity of their itch using this scale. It features high reliability and concurrent validity and is a popular choice for all patients due to its simple format.

Time needed for completion: 1 minute
Validated in English, French, German, Italian, Polish, Russian, Spanish and Turkish (click to download)

References:

Verweyen E, Ständer S, Kreitz K, Höben I, Osada N, Gernart M, Riepe C, Pereira M, Blome C, Augustin M, Zeidler C. Validation of a Comprehensive Set of Pruritus Assessment Instruments: The Chronic Pruritus Tools Questionnaire PRURITOOLS. Acta Derm Venereol. 2019 Mar 5.

Reich A, Chatzigeorkidis E, Zeidler C, Osada N, Furue M, Takamori K, Ebata T, Augustin M, Szepietowski JC, Ständer S. Tailoring the Cut-off Values of the Visual Analogue Scale and Numeric Rating Scale in Itch Assessment. Acta Derm Venereol. 2017 Jun 9;97(6):759-760.

Reich A, Riepe C, Anastasiadou Z, M?drek K, Augustin M, Szepietowski JC, Ständer S. Itch assessment with visual analogue scale and numerical rating scale: determination of minimal clinically important difference in chronic itch. Acta Derm Venereol 2016; 96: 978–980.

Phan NQ, Blome C, Fritz F, Gerss J, Reich A, Ebata T, et al. Assessment of pruritus intensity: prospective study on validity and reliability of the visual analogue scale, numerical rating scale and verbal rating scale in 471 patients with chronic pruritus. Acta Derm Venereol 2012; 92: 502–507.