OBJECTIVE: To construct a tool for classification of pediatric patients, validate its content, and assess the interrater reliability. METHODS: This is a quantitative study in which a mixed method was used. Validity of its content was assessed through a descriptive exploratory design using the Delphi technique. Inter-rater reliability was then assessed with a correlational design. RESULTS: After four stages of use of the Delphi technique, the instrument was composed of 11 care demand indicators. Each of them comprised one-to-four situations of graded complexity, that reflected increasing intensity of nursing need. The reliability levels as optimal, good, and weak were obtained for five, five, and one indicators, respectively. CONCLUSION: The content of the instrument was constructed and validated with satisfactory reliability to classify pediatric patients into five healthcare categories.
Child care; Health evaluation; Pediatric nursing; Validation studies; Workload
