Assessing Nursing Care Needs of Children With Complex Medical Conditions: The Nursing-Kids Intensity of Care Survey (N-KICS)

•The N-KICS is designed to measure intensity of nursing care for children with CMC.•Psychometric testing of N-KICS confirmed acceptable reliability and validity.•Intensity scores were highest for N-KICS survey items related to primary nursing care.•Infection control is an important component of nursing intensity.

BackgroundRecent medical advances have resulted in increased survival of children with complex medical conditions (CMC), but there are no validated methods to measure their care needs.Objectives/methodsTo design and test the Nursing-Kids Intensity of Care Survey (N-KICS) tool and describe intensity of nursing care for children with CMC.ResultsThe psychometric evaluation confirmed an acceptable standard for reliability and validity and feasibility. Intensity scores were highest for nursing care related to infection control, medication administration, nutrition, diaper changes, hygiene, neurological and respiratory support, and standing program.ConclusionsDevelopment of a psychometrically sound measure of nursing intensity will help evaluate and plan nursing care for children with CMC.