Clinical Value of the London Psychogeriatric Rating Scale

Abstract

The London Psychogeriatric Rating Scale (LPRS) was developed in answer to the demand for a reliable psychometric rating scale suited to a psychogeriatric population. All inpatients on a psychogeriatric unit (approximately 140 at any specific time) were rated with the LPRS every 3rd mo. for an 18 mo. period. The 4 components of the total score include a measure of mental status originally derived by factor analysis. Predictive validity was established in terms of various clinically relevant areas including the following: ward placement, outcome (continued hospitalization, discharge or death), diagnosis (by scoring levels and progress patterns across time), and ability of the patient to function in, or benefit from, a particular treatment program. The scale was used successfully to assess a given patient''s progress quantitatively and globally over a long period.