A-207 Applying the Hartford Consistency Index to the Brief Visuospatial Memory Test—Revised for Assessing Performance Validity in an Outpatient Sample: A Pilot Study

Abstract

Abstract Objective Prior studies have examined indices within the Brief Visuospatial Memory Test—Revised (BVMT-R) as potential embedded performance validity tests (PVT). Findings from these studies, however, are limited and with mixed results. Therefore, the purpose of the current study was to compare the classification accuracy of the Hartford Consistency Index (HCI) with published BVMT-R performance validity measures in an outpatient sample. Method A total of 115 archival files met study inclusion criteria: a) ≥ 18 years-old; b) administered > 2 PVTs (Reliable Digit Span, Dot Counting Test, and Test of Memory Malingering); and c) no diagnoses of intellectual disability or dementia. Utilizing standard cutoffs, participants were classified as ‘Valid’ (n = 94) or ‘Invalid’ (n = 21). ‘Valid’ profiles passed all PVTs and were free of known external incentives while ‘Invalid’ profiles failed ≥2 PVTs. Results An HCI cutoff of < 1 yielded 90% specificity, 48% sensitivity, and the area under the curve (AUC = .70) was adequate. Applying published cutoffs for Recognition Hits (≤4) and Percent Retention (≤58%) to our sample produced > 90% specificity, but sensitivity rates were < 40% and AUCs were consistently < .70. Similarly, the Recognition Discrimination (≤4) cutoff revealed inadequate specificity (84%), but acceptable sensitivity (63%), and AUC (.73). Conclussions Results from our study support the use of the HCI as an embedded PVT within the BVMT-R for non-demented outpatient samples. Furthermore, the HCI outperformed other embedded PVTs examined. Limitations of our study and future directions are discussed.