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

Authors:
  • WHWilliam L. Holzemer
    William L. Holzemer
  • DWDiana J. Wilkie
    Diana J. Wilkie
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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.