Automation of Behavioral Observations on Hospitalized Psychiatric Patients
MERVIN ROSENBERG M.D.1,
BERNARD C. GLUECK JR. M.D.2, , and
WALTER L. BENNETT 3
1 Research Psychiatrist, Institute of Living 400 Washington Street, Hartford, Conn. 06102
2 Director of Research, Institute of Living 400 Washington Street, Hartford, Conn. 06102
3 Senior Systems Engineer, Institute of Living 400 Washington Street, Hartford, Conn. 06102
The authors describe a computerized nursing observation reporting system that records moment-to-moment patient behavior in a more objectively accurate, condensed, and accessible manner than has previously been possible. Since a basic goal of therapy is to help the patient modify his maladaptive behavior, the system reported here would facilitate timely treatment by the therapist. At the same time, such a computerized system permits a standardization and quantification of behavioral observations, resulting in useful predictor indices that reveal significant patterns of change in patient behavior.
