RESUMO
UNLABELLED: Recent 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/METHODS: To design and test the Nursing-Kids Intensity of Care Survey (N-KICS) tool and describe intensity of nursing care for children with CMC. RESULTS: The 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. CONCLUSIONS: Development of a psychometrically sound measure of nursing intensity will help evaluate and plan nursing care for children with CMC.