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Development of an Agitated Behavior Rating Scale for discrete temporal observations
Journal of Nursing Measurement
|January 1, 1993
Summary
This study developed a new real-time rating scale for agitation in geriatric patients. The scale demonstrated high reliability among observers, offering a useful tool for studying agitation.
Area of Science:
- Geriatric Medicine
- Psychiatry
- Behavioral Science
Background:
- Agitation is a common and challenging clinical issue in institutionalized geriatric patients.
- Current agitation assessment tools lack real-time observation capabilities.
- Agitation presents variably and intermittently, complicating study.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and validate a novel agitated behavior rating scale.
- To incorporate discrete, intermittent real-time observation into agitation assessment.
- To improve the study of agitation in clinical settings.
Main Methods:
- Development of a new agitated behavior rating scale.
- Utilized discrete, intermittent real-time observation methodology.
- Trained observers assessed agitated behaviors.
Main Results:
- Achieved high interobserver agreement (over 85% percentage agreement).
- Statistically significant kappa coefficients (p < .001) for general agitation categories.
- Acceptable agreement for more specific agitation categories.
Conclusions:
- The developed rating scale shows high reliability and potential utility.
- This tool can facilitate the study of agitation across the 24-hour day.
- Enhances real-time assessment of agitated behaviors in geriatric populations.