Measurement tools for assessing nausea, vomiting, and retching in pediatric populations: A scoping review

Abstract

Background

Nausea, vomiting, and retching are distressing symptoms in pediatric patients, yet their assessment remains inconsistent due to a lack of standardized, age-appropriate tools aligned with children's developmental needs.

Aim

This scoping review aimed to identify, map, and evaluate the tools currently used to measure nausea, vomiting, and retching in pediatric populations, specifically focusing on their psychometric properties, applicability, and limitations in clinical and research settings.

Method

The review followed the PRISMA-ScR and Joanna Briggs Institute guidelines. A comprehensive search was conducted across six databases (PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, MEDLINE, CINAHL, and Scopus) up to January 2025.

Results

A total of 14 studies met the inclusion criteria, covering 14 measurement tools. Most tools (n = 14) were developed for self-report use, while 10 incorporated proxy-report methods. Tools varied in their focus, with several designed for oncology settings (e.g., BARF Scale, PeNAT, NVTS, SSPedi), while others addressed gastrointestinal disorders, chronic kidney disease, or brain tumors. Outcomes assessed included nausea intensity, vomiting, retching, pain, dietary intake, functional impairment, and emotional symptoms.

Practice implications

Existing tools provide useful insights into pediatric nausea and vomiting but differ widely in design and applicability. Standardized, age-appropriate, and culturally adaptable tools are urgently needed for accurate assessment in pediatric patients.

Conclusion

Most tools demonstrated acceptable reliability and validity; limited sensitivity for younger children, proxy-report variability, and cultural adaptation were noted. Current tools offer valuable insights into pediatric nausea and vomiting but vary significantly in design, scope, and applicability.