Pain location: validity and reliability of body outline markings by hospitalized children and adolescents

Res Nurs Health. 1989 Oct;12(5):307-14. doi: 10.1002/nur.4770120506.

Abstract

Although pain location is an important assessment parameter, little research has addressed validity and reliability of a body outline in pediatric populations. In a descriptive study, validity and reliability of markings on a body outline were examined in a convenience sample of 8- to 17-year-old hospitalized children (n = 175). Children marked their pain location on a body outline. Each child then pointed to the pain location on his/her body as a nurse data collector, blind to the child's markings, recorded the location on a second body outline. Data were obtained to substantiate the pain location. Findings provide strong support for the validity and reliability of a body outline and for its inclusion in a multidimensional pediatric pain tool.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Child
  • Child, Hospitalized / psychology*
  • Female
  • Hospitalization
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Medical Illustration*
  • Nursing Assessment*
  • Pain Measurement / instrumentation*