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The Short Orientation-Memory-Concentration Test: a study of its reliability and validity
Clinical Rehabilitation
|May 29, 1999
Summary
The Short Orientation-Memory-Concentration Test (SOMC) shows good reliability for repeated use by the same observer. A change of more than 6 points upward or 2 points downward suggests a real difference in cognitive function.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Cognitive Psychology
- Rehabilitation Medicine
Background:
- The Short Orientation-Memory-Concentration Test (SOMC) is a widely used cognitive screening tool.
- Establishing the reliability of cognitive assessments is crucial for tracking patient progress in neurological rehabilitation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the intra-observer test-retest reliability of the SOMC.
- To explore the correlation between SOMC performance and verbal memory abilities.
Main Methods:
- Thirty-eight patients with diverse neurological conditions were assessed twice by the same clinician within 3-7 days.
- Cognitive function was evaluated using the SOMC, alongside the Barthel Activities of Daily Living Index and the Rivermead Behavioural Memory Test (RBMT) paragraph recall.
Main Results:
- A statistically significant, though small, improvement of 2 points was observed between test occasions (p <0.01).
- Most patients (92%) showed score variations within -2 to +6 points.
- SOMC scores demonstrated a moderate correlation with immediate and delayed verbal recall from the RBMT (r = 0.74).
Conclusions:
- For reliable interpretation, a change exceeding 6 points upwards or 2 points downwards on the SOMC is recommended when administered by the same observer.
- The SOMC appears to be a valid indicator of verbal memory function in this patient cohort.