[Comparison between 2 behavior observation scales in psychogeriatrics. A closer look at the NOSIE and the BOP]

The relation between the NOSIE (Nurses' Observation Scale for Inpatient Evaluation) and the BOP (Dutch version of the Stockton Geriatric Rating Scale) was studied in a psycho-geriatric sample. The results supported the hypothesis of a trans-cultural difference in the use of the NOSIE. Dutch nurses subsume personal neatness under social competence. Anglo-Saxons do not. The factor solution of the NOSIE, with the exception of the depression factor, was comparable with earlier Dutch research, and was interpreted as support for the notion, that the NOSIE is a reliable observation scale. The correlation between factor scales of the NOSIE and the BOP were significant, but of moderate range. This was taken to mean that there is limited convergent validity between the NOSIE and the BOP. A high correlation was found between the infirmity scale and other subscales of the BOP. The BOP as well as the NOSIE were able to purposefully distinguish diagnostic groups when an external criterium or mixed criteria were used. It was concluded that both the BOP and the NOSIE may supplement each other in psycho-geriatric research practice.