| Description |
This descriptive study investigated the accuracy of nurses in assessing Axis I and Axis II disorders using criteria of the American Psychiatric Association. The diagnosis given by the nursing staff on the psychiatric unit of a regional medical center was compared to the Millon Clinical Multiaxial Inventory-III (MCMI-III) and the diagnosis given by the psychiatrist. Ten nurses assessed 50 patients admitted to an inpatient psychiatric hospital for the first time. Results were reported in tabular form. The influence of other variables such as number of years worked in psychiatric nursing, educational level, age, and psychiatric certification was also assessed. Educational level had the most influence on diagnostic accuracy. The baccalaureate nurses matched the MCMI-III 82% of the time, associate nurses 59%, and licensed practical nurses 69%. In this study, the variable 'years worked as a psychiatric nurse' did not seem to influence diagnostic accuracy but was probably confounded with educational level. The nurses who had worked in psychiatry for more than 10 years scored 68%, whereas those who had worked between 5 and 10 years scored 83%. This group, however, also had the highest level of education. Possible explanations for these differences were explored. |
