Reliability and refinement of a pain location tool for children's abdominal surgery.

AIM: To determine the 'inter-rater' and test-retest reliability of a pain location tool for children.

MATERIALS & METHODS: In children aged 5-14 years who had undergone a laparoscopic operation, pain scores at each of seven abdominal locations, and at the shoulder tip, were recorded at baseline and after a 5- and 30-min interval.

RESULTS: Intraclass correlation coefficients were predominantly in the 'moderate' to 'substantial' range for both 'inter-rater' and test-retest reliability. Three quarters of children would prefer an electronic version of the tool. Thematic analysis showed accuracy, usability, utility and usefulness were areas for future development.

CONCLUSION: Children can reliably indicate where they hurt after laparoscopic surgery. An electronic version could increase acceptability to children and usability by professionals.