An observational study of two long-stay psychogeriatric wards

Patients on two long-stay psychogeriatric wards were observed using a schedule derived from transcription of videotape filmed on the wards. Data were also collected using the Clifton Assessment Procedures for the Elderly Behaviour Rating Scale (CAPEBRS), the Brighton Clinic Adaptive Behaviour Scale (BCABS) and psychiatric ratings. The observational procedure proved highly reliable but there was little evidence of association with other measures. Items related to disturbed behaviour on the CAPEBRS and the BCABS aggression subscale proved unreliable and it is suggested that this may be due to the overall low levels of activity. The implication for future research are discussed.