Reliability and Validity of a Scale for Assessing the Functioning of Geriatric Patients

A bstract A simple, objective rating scale for geriatric patients was developed and used to evaluate a sample of 207 patients at Bronx State Hospital. Evaluations were made mainly by ward attendants. Interjudge reliability based on independent assessments was +.87. Female patients were significantly older than male patients; however, there was no difference between males and females with regard to their impairment scores. Geriatric patients had significantly higher impairment scores than non‐geriatric patients. Clinical ratings by psychiatrists of the average level of ward functioning correlated closely with the mean rating scores. The scale appears to be a highly reliable and relatively valid measuring instrument for assessing the status of geriatric patients.