Reliability and validity of three measures of functioning with "hard-core" chronic mental patients.

Abstract

Data on 14 descriptive variables and three measures of functioning were analyzed for 137 chronic psychotic patients who were functioning at such a low level that they were not acceptable for shelter-care placement. Measures of functioning included: the Minimal Social Behavior Scale, administered in a structured interview by professional staff; the Social Breakdown Syndrome Gradient Index, administered to aide-level personnel, modified to questionnaire format; and the Nurses Observational Scale of Inpatient Evaluation ratings obtained from aide-level staff. All three instruments were found to possess high interrater reliability. Intercorrelations among the three measures of functioning gave evidence of a common factor, supporting their validity, and indicated that additional information was added by each instrument. In combination, they provide a practical, reliable, valid battery for assessing global level of functioning in hard-core, chronically hospitalized patient groups. Normative data are provided on the sample for descriptive variables and for the three measures of functioning.

THE BEHAVIOR OBSERVATION INSTRUMENT: A METHOD OF DIRECT OBSERVATION FOR PROGRAM EVALUATION1

“…However, as an indicator of the range, distribution, and frequency of social, instrumental role, and symptomatic behaviors, the BOI provides a necessary but not singularly sufficient measure of a program or a therapeutic environment. Optimally, self-report and rating scales should be empirically combined with direct observations to provide a multidimensional assessment of a service delivery system (see Johnson and Bolstad, 1973;Lentz, Paul, and Calhoun, 1971;Paul, McInnis, and Mariotto, 1973). Methodologically rigorous observation systems like the BOI can be useful in evaluating the validity of these other "indirect" measures of client behavior (e.g., Mariotto and Paul, 1974).…”

Psychometric instability of measures in novel settings: Use of psychiatric rating scales in nursing homes

“…Two raters were used by Lentz et al (1971) with the NOSIE-30 and ISMF, by Lorr and Vestre (1968) with the PIP, and by Ellsworth and Clayton (1959) and Anker and Walsh (1961) with the MACC. The present use of three raters, therefore, would increase the chances of obtaining a high reliability compared to that of the research just cited.…”

A behavioral microanalysis of the effects of haloperidol and oxazepam in demented psychogeriatric inpatients

“…Because agitative behaviors were the dominant complaint for most of the subjects, the BPRS was designated the primary psychiatric outcome measures. The Nurses' Observation Scale for Inpatient Evaluation (NOSIE, Lentz et al, 1971) contains 30 items, including items on social competence. The Sandoz Clinical Assessment-.…”