Training clinical personnel to assess for tardive dyskinesia

1. Two hundred and sixty-three people were trained to assess for tardive dyskinesia using the Dyskinesia Identification System: Condensed User Scale. 2. A videotape pretest was given before training, a videotape posttest was given after training, and in vivo (actual patient) ratings were required. The data was analyzed for overall training effects as well as by four professional groups: registered nurses, licensed practical nurses, physicians/pharmacists, and others such as psychologists/educators. 3. No group displayed accurate abnormal involuntary movement assessment ability before training, and a highly significant improvement occurred as a result of training. The four professional groups did not differ on assessment ability before or after training, and all professions showed significant improvement. 4. The data suggests that formal training must occur to teach accurate and reliable tardive dyskinesia assessment ability. A wide variety of professions can be trained, thus making large scale monitoring systems for applied clinical settings possible.