title: Selection and use of clinical rating instruments in child psychiatric nursing.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The selection of appropriate clinical rating instruments and integration of their findings in child psychiatric nursing practice may not be clear.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  To offer guidance concerning the selection and application of clinical rating instruments
  
  
  METHODS
  A review of recent literature of commonly used parent and teacher checklists, clinician-rated instruments, structured diagnostic interviews, and child self-reports.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Clinical rating scales have an important place in clinical practice and research in child and adolescent psychiatric settings. Selecting an appropriate instrument depends on the purpose, developmental level of the child, and expertise of the clinician--and requires careful consideration.
authors.forename: L
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Scahill
authors.forename: S I
authors.initials: SI
authors.lastname: Ort
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D002648:Child; D002665:Child Psychiatry; D015400:Clinical Nursing Research / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D011568:Psychiatric Nursing; D011569:Psychiatric Status Rating Scales / Q000592:standards*