Effects of Training on Behavioral Observations by Nurses

Abstract

The effect of training institutional personnel to produce observational records oj patient behavior is described. Fifteen nurses were randomly assigned to three teams for training in the observation and recording of patient behavior as a part of a workshop at the University of Kansas Medical Center. At different stages in their training, each team dictated observational records from a videotape of patient activities in six typical behavioral settings within the hospital. Analysis of the coded records indicated high percentages of agreement among observers in the proportions of patient self-involvement, self-initiation of activities, and time spent alone, regardless of the kind of training received. Significant variance differences occurred among teams, as predicted, but were relatively small compared to the overall percentages of agreement.