ALTERNATE OUCHER FORM TESTING - GENDER, ETHNICITY, AND AGE VARIATIONS

This study was part of a project to improve pain assessment and management for a multiethnic group of children. Based on its visual appeal for the clinical team, the Oucher was selected for trial. A reduced size and shortened screening technique were introduced. Children (N = 79) aged 3 to 12 years were randomly assigned to use the original or a reduced-size Oucher first. Scale scores were highly correlated regardless of size or presentation order. There were no differences attributable to age, gender, or ethnicity (Black, White, Hispanic). There is preliminary support for using the more convenient size and screening process. (C) 1994 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.