Validity and Reliability of the Behavioural Assessment Tool for Cognition and Higher Function (BATCH) in Neuropsychiatric Patients

Objective: Patients with mental health disorders frequently have difficulties with their cognitive functioning. Assessment of cognition in this population can be complicated by psychiatric symptomatology, making standard written and verbal assessment methods difficult. In these situations, observations by nursing and allied staff of patients’ routine activities provide an important source of information about cognitive ability. The Behavioural Assessment Tool for Cognition and Higher Function (BATCH) was developed to record observations of patients’ daily functioning under subheadings that reflect cognitive domains. Its capacity to provide a measure of cognitive function through observational means was assessed in a neuropsychiatric unit. Method: A consecutive sample of 76 adult neuropsychiatry inpatients were assessed over 6 months using BATCH. BATCH measures the frequency of given behaviours grouped under 10 functional and cognitive domains: orientation, attention/concentration, personal responsibility, volition, adaptation, problem-solving/judgement, executive function, memory, language, and visuospatial function. Data from routine standardized cognitive (Mini-Mental Status Examination, MMSE; Neuropsychiatry Unit Cognitive Screening Tool, NUCOG), psychiatric (Neuropsychiatric Inventory; Health of the Nation Outcome Scale) and functional (Bristol Activities of Daily Living Scale; Barthel Index) instruments were collected to determine the relative contribution of cognitive function to scores on the BATCH. Results: A strong correlation was found between total BATCH scores and total NUCOG and MMSE scores. BATCH and NUCOG subdomains correlated significantly in all subscales. BATCH demonstrated very high internal consistency. Linear regression analysis showed that the strongest determinant of BATCH scores was cognitive function as measured on the NUCOG. A significant subscale×group effect showed lower BATCH scores in memory, orientation, attention, executive function and language in dementia sufferers compared to psychiatric and neurological patient groups. Conclusion: BATCH scores correlated strongly with pencil-and-paper measures of cognitive function. BATCH provides clinicians with a means of assessing cognitive function through behavioural observation, thus enabling assessment of patients with behavioural disturbance or severe psychopathology. This tool has practical application for adult and aged clients across all observational mental health settings.

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Validity and reliability of Korean version Competency Assessment Tool-Mental Health

Frontiers of Nursing ◽

10.2478/fon-2020-0017 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 7 (2) ◽

pp. 143-152

Author(s):

Hyun Mee Cho ◽

Jeong Won Han ◽

Eun Joung Choi ◽

Hyo Eun Jeong ◽

Bo Ram Hong ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Health Care ◽

Mental Health Care ◽

Internal Consistency ◽

Assessment Tool ◽

Reliability And Validity ◽

Basic Data ◽

Measurement Tool ◽

Competency Assessment ◽

Validity And Reliability

AbstractObjectiveTo establish basic data for identifying the level of mental health care competency of general nurses through verification of the reliability and validity of Competency Assessment Tool-Mental Health in the development of a measurement tool for mental health care competency in Korea.MethodsThis study was conducted on nurses working at general wards, excluding those working at the Department of Psychiatry, in five hospitals with 200 beds or more located in Korea. Content, construct, concurrent validity, and internal consistency of the measurement were confirmed.ResultsAs a result of the construct validity, the section on importance of skills and knowledge for mental health care had 21 items, whereas the section on benefits of additional education had 22 items. The internal consistency of measurement was confirmed as follows: Cronbach's α = 0.96 for the section on importance and 0.96 for the section on benefits section.ConclusionsThis study verified the high validity and reliability of the tool in assessing the mental health care competency of nurses, and it is believed to be significant as basic data for enhancing such competency.

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Impact of Virtual Reality-Based Therapies on Cognition and Mental Health of Stroke Patients: Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

Journal of Medical Internet Research ◽

10.2196/31007 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 23 (11) ◽

pp. e31007

Author(s):

Qi Zhang ◽

Yu Fu ◽

Yanhui Lu ◽

Yating Zhang ◽

Qifang Huang ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Virtual Reality ◽

Executive Function ◽

Cognitive Function ◽

Verbal Fluency ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Cochrane Library ◽

Visuospatial Function ◽

Global Cognitive Function

Background Stroke remains one of the major chronic illnesses worldwide that health care organizations will need to address for the next several decades. Individuals poststroke are subject to levels of cognitive impairment and mental health problems. Virtual reality (VR)-based therapies are new technologies used for cognitive rehabilitation and the management of psychological outcomes. Objective This study performed a meta-analysis to evaluate the effects of VR-based therapies on cognitive function and mental health in patients with stroke. Methods A comprehensive database search was performed using PubMed, MEDLINE (Ovid), Embase, Cochrane Library, and APA PsycINFO databases for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that studied the effects of VR on patients with stroke. We included trials published up to April 15, 2021, that fulfilled our inclusion and exclusion criteria. The literature was screened, data were extracted, and the methodological quality of the included trials was assessed. Meta-analysis was performed using RevMan 5.3 software. Results A total of 894 patients from 23 RCTs were included in our meta-analysis. Compared to traditional rehabilitation therapies, the executive function (standard mean difference [SMD]=0.88, 95% confidence interval [CI]=0.06-1.70, P=.03), memory (SMD=1.44, 95% CI=0.21-2.68, P=.02), and visuospatial function (SMD=0.78, 95% CI=0.23-1.33, P=.006) significantly improved among patients after VR intervention. However, there were no significant differences observed in global cognitive function, attention, verbal fluency, depression, and the quality of life (QoL). Conclusions The findings of our meta-analysis showed that VR-based therapies are efficacious in improving executive function, memory, and visuospatial function in patients with stroke. For global cognitive function, attention, verbal fluency, depression, and the QoL, further research is required. Trial Registration PROSPERO International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews CRD42021252788; https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?RecordID=252788

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Validation of the Equine Behaviour Assessment and Research Questionnaire (E-BARQ): A New Survey Instrument for Exploring and Monitoring the Domestic Equine Triad

Animals ◽

10.3390/ani10111982 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 10 (11) ◽

pp. 1982 ◽

Cited By ~ 4

Author(s):

Kate Fenner ◽

Sarah Matlock ◽

Jane Williams ◽

Bethany Wilson ◽

Andrew McLean ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Construct Validity ◽

Quantitative Data ◽

Assessment Tool ◽

Questionnaire Validation ◽

Subjective Ratings ◽

Validity And Reliability ◽

Rater Reliability ◽

Validity Testing ◽

Significant Alignment ◽

Behavioural Assessment

The Equine Behaviour Assessment and Research Questionnaire (E-BARQ) was developed to obtain quantitative data on the domestic equine triad: training, management and behaviour. It can be taken repeatedly, thus collecting longitudinal data to enable evaluation of how changes in a horse’s training and management are reflected in that horse’s behaviour over time and how these changes can impact horse welfare in the longer term. Questionnaire validation and reliability were tested by determining (a) whether an owner’s subjective ratings of their horse’s problematic behaviours or undesirable temperament traits were reflected in the questionnaire scores obtained for that horse (construct validity), (b) whether two respondents, equally familiar with a particular horse, reported comparable scores for that horse through the questionnaire (inter-rater reliability), and (c) whether the same respondent, scoring the same horse after a known interval of time, recorded similar responses (intra-rater reliability). Construct validity testing of 1923 responses showed significant alignment between owners’ reported experience of focal horses’ behaviour and those horses’ E-BARQ scores, with scores varying from 1.13 to 1.34 for ridden horse behaviour (all p < 0.001) and from 1.06 to 1.43 for non-ridden horse behaviour (all p < 0.001). Inter-rater reliability testing of ten horse–rider pairs revealed that 203 of the 215 question items were significantly aligned (p < 0.001) when tested by two independent raters. Of the remaining 19 items, four had fair alignment (ĸ = 0.174–0.316; p = 0.281) and ten items, largely related to whether the horse shows behavioural signs related to anxiety when taken away from home, did not align (ĸ = 0; p = 1). Intra-rater reliability tests showed that the responses significantly aligned on all 215 question items tested (p < 0.001). The results of these tests confirmed the construct validity and reliability of E-BARQ as a standardised behavioural assessment tool for horses.

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Development of a behavioural assessment tool for use in forensic mental health services

Mental Health Practice ◽

10.7748/mhp.2019.e1350 ◽

2019 ◽

Author(s):

Bronwen Davies ◽

Kathy Lowe ◽

Sara Morgan ◽

Hannah John-Evans ◽

John Griffiths ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Mental Health Services ◽

Health Services ◽

Assessment Tool ◽

Forensic Mental Health ◽

Behavioural Assessment

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The Effect of Midlife Cardiovascular Risk Factors on Cognitive Function Nearly Half a Decade Later

Innovation in Aging ◽

10.1093/geroni/igaa057.3297 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽

pp. 894-894

Author(s):

Teresa Warren ◽

Shandell Pahlen ◽

Hong Xian ◽

Jennifer De Anda ◽

William Kremen ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Risk Factors ◽

Executive Function ◽

Cardiovascular Risk ◽

Cognitive Function ◽

Episodic Memory ◽

Cardiovascular Risk Factors ◽

Processing Speed ◽

Cardiovascular Health ◽

Semantic Fluency ◽

Cognitive Domains

Abstract Several cardiovascular risk factors (CVRFs) have been associated with poor cognitive function. However, few studies have examined these factors longitudinally during midlife. We hypothesized that more midlife CVRFs would predict worse cognitive function approximately six years later. Participants were 886 men who participated in waves 2 and 3 of the Vietnam Era Twin Study of Aging. The American Heart Association’s “Life’s Simple 7” index was used to measure CVRFs. CVRFs were assessed at mean age 61 (range 55-66) and included smoking, physical activity, diet, body mass index, cholesterol, glucose, and blood pressure. Each factor was coded on a 3-point scale (0-2), ranging from poor to ideal status. These scores were then used to create a composite CVRF index (0-14). We examined several cognitive domains assessed at mean age 67 (range 61-73): abstract reasoning, episodic memory, processing speed, executive function, working memory, general verbal fluency, and semantic fluency. Analyses were adjusted for ethnicity, and education, and mean age 61. In the generalized estimating equation models, there were significant main effects indicating that the CVRF index at mean age 61 significantly predicted cognitive function at mean age 67 in episodic memory, 95% CI [.01, .08], p = .01, processing speed, 95% CI [.02, .09], p = .01, and executive function, 95% CI [.00, .06] ], p = .03. The CVRF index did not predict cognitive function in the other cognitive domains. These results suggest that poor cardiovascular health in late midlife may exacerbate cognitive decline.

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Italian version and normative data of Addenbrooke's Cognitive Examination III

International Psychogeriatrics ◽

10.1017/s104161021800073x ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 31 (2) ◽

pp. 241-249 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Martina Pigliautile ◽

Francesca Chiesi ◽

Franca Stablum ◽

Sonia Rossetti ◽

Caterina Primi ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Normative Data ◽

Linear Regression Analysis ◽

Italian Population ◽

Cognitive Screening ◽

Performance Score ◽

Italian Version ◽

Cognitive Domains ◽

Visuospatial Abilities ◽

Gender And Education ◽

Addenbrooke’S Cognitive Examination

ABSTRACTObjectives:Addenbrooke's Cognitive Examination III (ACE-III) is a brief cognitive screening tool to assess five cognitive domains: attention/orientation, verbal fluency, memory, language, and visuospatial abilities. This study aimed to provide normative data (for total score and subscale scores) of the Italian version of ACE-III for gender, age, and education.Methods:A total of 574 healthy Italian participants (mean age 68.70 ± 9.65; mean education 9.15 ± 4.04) were recruited from the community and included in the study. Linear regression analysis was performed to evaluate the effects of age, gender, and education on the ACE-III total performance score.Results:Age and education exerted a significant effect on total and subscale ACE-III scores, whereas gender was on attention/orientation, language, and visuospatial subscale scores. From the derived linear equation, correction grids to adjust raw scores and equivalent scores (ESs) with cut-off values were provided.Conclusions:The present study provided normative data, correction grids, and ESs for ACE-III in an Italian population.

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Development, Validation and Verification of a Self-Assessment Tool to Estimate Sadhaka Pitta (Mental Strength)

International Journal of Research in Pharmaceutical Sciences ◽

10.26452/ijrps.v11i4.3249 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 11 (4) ◽

pp. 5912-5921

Author(s):

Vijay Laxmi Gautam ◽

Singh T B ◽

Sangeeta Gehlot ◽

Hari Hridaya Awasthi

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Assessment Tool ◽

Normal Population ◽

Age Groups ◽

Reliability And Validity ◽

Holistic Approach ◽

Well Being ◽

Primary Objective ◽

Validity And Reliability ◽

Self Assessment

The holistic approach of Ayurveda, treating the patient as a whole, meaning intervention targeted toward complete physical, psychological, and spiritual well-being. Sadhaka Pitta is the factor responsible for mental health and mental strength (weak and strong Sadhaka Pitta functions) assattva. It is the sub-dosha of pitta among the five types. The primary objective of the study was to develop and validate a self-assessment tool to estimate Sadhaka Pitta. The developed tool was evaluated for its reliability and validity by administering to 50 healthy volunteers of either gender belonging to 21 to 50 year age groups. Besides confirming the statistical validity and reliability, the applied utility of the newly developed tool was evaluated by mental health based on Sadhaka Pitta functions parameters of all the volunteers. The results show that the mental functions controlled by brain, vary significantly according to functions of Sadhaka Pitta. The tool therefore can be used to screen normal population to look for possible susceptibility to certain behaviours.

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Introducing the Needs in Recovery Assessment (NiRA) into clinical practice: protocol for a pilot study investigating the formal and systematic assessment of clinical and social needs experienced by service users at a tertiary, metropolitan mental health service

Pilot and Feasibility Studies ◽

10.1186/s40814-021-00919-8 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 7 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Ellen L. Davies ◽

Andrea L. Gordon ◽

Kenneth J. Hooper ◽

Robert E. Laing ◽

Elizabeth A. Lynch ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Clinical Practice ◽

Mental Health Service ◽

Health Service ◽

Quantitative Data ◽

Assessment Tool ◽

Service Users ◽

Validity And Reliability ◽

Recovery Assessment

Abstract Background The Needs in Recovery Assessment (NiRA) is a newly developed needs assessment tool, designed to identify the needs of people recovering from mental illness. This tool has been evaluated outside of the clinical context for validity and reliability. The aim of this study is to introduce the NiRA into clinical practice and to evaluate the value of the NiRA as an adjunct to service delivery from the perspectives of stakeholders and to evaluate the barriers and facilitators of embedding the NiRA in a mental health service. Methods The establishment of the NiRA in a tertiary mental health unit over a 6-month period will be evaluated using a multi-methods approach. Quantitative data will be collected using the NiRA itself and the Recovery Self-Assessment (RSA). Face-to-face interviews with service users and clinicians will be conducted following the initial completion of the NiRA, with a follow-up interview for service users on discharge from the service. Regular informal follow-up with clinicians throughout the study will support the introduction of the NiRA. Descriptive statistics will be used to analyse quantitative data, and descriptive qualitative methods will be used to analyse data from interviews. Discussion Aligning mental health services with recovery-oriented frameworks of care is imperative. The NiRA is a tool that has been designed in accordance with recovery principles and may assist services to be more recovery-oriented. If the NiRA is able to achieve the aims and objectives of this project, a larger implementation study will be conducted. Trial registration Australian and New Zealand Clinical Trial Registry (ANZCTR), ACTRN12621000316808

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The Effect of Diabetes Medication on Cognitive Function: Evidence from the PATH Through Life Study

BioMed Research International ◽

10.1155/2016/7208429 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 2016 ◽

pp. 1-7 ◽

Cited By ~ 22

Author(s):

Pushpani M. Herath ◽

Nicolas Cherbuin ◽

Ranmalee Eramudugolla ◽

Kaarin J. Anstey

Keyword(s):

Working Memory ◽

Executive Function ◽

Cognitive Function ◽

Pharmacological Treatment ◽

Verbal Learning ◽

Activity Level ◽

Hypoglycemic Agents ◽

Diabetes Treatment ◽

Cognitive Domains ◽

Life Study

Objective. To examine the effect of diabetes treatment on change of measures of specific cognitive domains over 4 years.Research Design and Methods. The sample was drawn from a population-based cohort study in Australia (the PATH Through Life Study) and comprised 1814 individuals aged 65–69 years at first measurement, of whom 211 were diagnosed with diabetes. Cognitive function was measured using 10 neuropsychological tests. The effect of type of diabetes treatment (diet, oral hypoglycemic agents, and insulin) on measures of specific cognitive domains was assessed using Generalized Linear Models adjusted for age, sex, education, smoking, physical activity level, BMI, and hypertension.Results. Comparison of cognitive function between diabetes treatment groups showed no significant effect of type of pharmacological treatment on cognitive function compared to diet only group or no diabetes group. Of those on oral hypoglycaemic treatment only, participants who used metformin alone had better cognitive function at baseline for the domains of verbal learning, working memory, and executive function compared to participants on other forms of diabetic treatment.Conclusion. This study did not observe significant effect from type of pharmacological treatment for diabetes on cognitive function except that participants who only used metformin showed significant protective effect from metformin on domain of verbal learning, working memory, and executive function.

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Cognitive Impairments inLRRK2-Related Parkinson’s Disease: A Study in Chinese Individuals

Behavioural Neurology ◽

10.1155/2015/621873 ◽

2015 ◽

Vol 2015 ◽

pp. 1-5 ◽

Cited By ~ 3

Author(s):

Yifan Zheng ◽

Zhong Pei ◽

Yanmei Liu ◽

Hongyan Zhou ◽

Wenbiao Xian ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Parkinson’S Disease ◽

Parkinson's Disease ◽

Executive Function ◽

Cognitive Impairments ◽

Linear Regression Analysis ◽

Multiple Linear Regression Analysis ◽

Function Evaluation ◽

Test Time ◽

Language Fluency ◽

Cognitive Domains

Background.LRRK2S1647T has been identified as a polymorphic risk variant for Parkinson’s disease (PD) in Chinese individuals. AsLRRK2is the most common genetic cause for PD, it has drawn great interest regarding whether cognitive impairments in PD are related withLRRK2.Purpose. This study aimed to explore the effects ofLRRK2S1647T polymorphism on cognitive function in PD.Method. 90 PD patients were randomly recruited. They underwent a series of clinical evaluations and genetic testing for theLRRK2S1647T polymorphism. Global intellect and five cognitive domains (language fluency, visuospatial function, attention, memory, and executive function) were compared between S1647T carriers and noncarriers.Results. No differences in motor features were found between two groups, but the executive function evaluation showed that Stroop word colour test time (SWCT-TIME) scores were lower inLRRK2S1647T carriers than in noncarriers (P=0.017). However, multiple linear regression analysis indicated that the correlation between S1647T polymorphism and SWCT-TIME scores did not reach significant level (P=0.051).Conclusion. Our findings suggest that cognitive impairments are not correlated with differentLRRK2S1647T polymorphisms in Chinese PD individuals.

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