Introduction. According to the definition, pain is a subjective phenomenon whose intensity can be subjectively described by the person feeling the pain. There are many groups of pa-tients who, for various reasons, are unable to verbalize the pain they feel. Assessing the pain felt by patients treated in intensive care units is a challenge due to sedation, verbal communication disorders or artificial respiration. Aim. The aim of the study was assessing pain using behavioral pain indicators based on the Polish version of Critical Care Pain Observation Tool (CPOT). Material and methods. The study used the prospective method, and for assessing the level of pain – Polish version of pain assessment scales Critical Care Pain Observation Tool (CPOT). The research group consisted of two intensive care units – general and neurosurgical one, who are mechanically ventilated, intubated or with tracheotomy. Results. The study included 72 severely ill, mechanically ventilated patients; pain was as-sessed during nociceptive procedure. In the study group the median of pain level according to CPOT was 1 point, with the maximum value of 8 points and the minimum of 0. The results indicate good analgesic protection of patients. Conclusions. The level of pain for the whole group of patients was low. In majority of obser-vation no behavioural response to pain was noted. There is a correlation between physiologi-cal and behavioural factors in response to pain.

Key words: pain, critical care, CPOT scale.