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The psychometric properties of the Competency Interview Schedule
G Bean1, S Nishisato, N A Rector
1Culture, Community and Health Studies, Clarke Institute of Psychiatry, Toronto, Ontario.
Canadian Journal of Psychiatry. Revue Canadienne De Psychiatrie
|October 1, 1994
Summary
Assessing mental competence for psychiatric treatment decisions is challenging. A new 15-item questionnaire shows good reliability and accurately distinguishes between competent and incompetent individuals.
Area of Science:
- Psychiatry
- Medical Law
- Psychometrics
Background:
- Assessing mental competence for psychiatric treatment is a complex legal and clinical issue.
- Existing legislation lacks clear definitions for decision-making capacity.
- Operationalizing competency assessment is crucial for ethical practice.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and validate a psychometric instrument for assessing mental competence in psychiatric treatment decisions.
- To provide a reliable tool for clinicians and legal professionals.
Main Methods:
- Development of a 15-item questionnaire to operationalize competency.
- Evaluation of the instrument's psychometric properties, including reliability and validity.
- Testing for internal consistency and ability to discriminate between patient groups.
Main Results:
- The questionnaire demonstrated good test-retest and interrater reliability.
- The instrument was found to be internally consistent.
- It successfully discriminated between patients deemed competent and incompetent by treating physicians.
Conclusions:
- The developed 15-item questionnaire is a psychometrically sound instrument for assessing mental competence in psychiatric treatment contexts.
- This tool offers a reliable method to aid in competency evaluations, addressing a gap in current practice and legislation.