BI Asessment Tools
Agitated Behavior Scale (ABS)
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Despite the documented frequency of agitation in patients with traumatic brain injuries, as well as the need to treat this condition, until recently there has not been an objective measure of agitation. The Agitated Behavior Scale (ABS; Corrigan, 1989) was developed to allow objective assessment of this behavior, particularly serial assessments for the evaluation of interventions to reduce agitation. The ABS is an observational as opposed to a self-report measure. Original validation studies showed that nursing staff, physical therapists and occupational therapists can use the scale reliably and validly. At Ohio State University, the ABS is completed by the primary nurse at the end of each shift. Novak and Penrod (1993) report its use at the end of each session by therapy staff. The ABS has been shown to be reliable and valid when based on therapists' 30-minute observation periods, or primary nurses' perceptions based upon an 8-hour shift (Corrigan, 1989). Ratings based on 10-minute observation periods by psychology assistants or a rehabilitation nurse have also been found to be reliable. However, serial monitoring must be done with comparable observations, as it has been found that ratings during 10-minute observation periods are not comparable to ratings based on 8-hour shifts. Observers make a rating of one to four for each of the fourteen items. In validation, nurses and therapists were trained by sharing impressions and asking feedback during a trial-use period. Written descriptions of ratings for each item, with examples, are available from Drs. Corrigan and Bogner at Ohio State University. The original development of the ABS demonstrated the content validity of items and concurrent validity of the Total Score. Subsequent studies have shown the ABS to be predictive of change in cognitive status (Corrigan & Mysiw, 1988) and able to differentiate confusion and inattention (Corrigan & Mysiw, 1988; Corrigan et al., 1992). Construct validity has been further substantiated by the identification of underlying factors (Corrigan & Bogner, 1994). The Total Score and three underlying subscales have proven stable over multiple samples (Corrigan & Bogner, 1994). The Agitated Behavior Scale (ABS) was developed to assess the nature and extent of agitation during the acute phase of recovery from acquired brain injury. Its primary purpose is to allow serial assessment of agitation by treatment professionals who want objective feedback about the course of a patient's agitation. Serial assessments are particularly important when treatment interventions are being attempted. This instrument may be useful with populations other than patients recovering from acquired brain injury. Tabloski, McKinnon-Howe, and Remington (1995) and Corrigan, Bogner, and Tabloski (1996) demonstrated the utility of the ABS for measuring agitation in nursing home residents with progressive dementias, primarily Alzheimer's disease. Information regarding the ABS was contributed by the Ohio Regional TBI Model System. Please contact Jennifer Bogner, Ph.D. for more information. 
Agitated Behavior Scale (ABS Form)
Raters
Observational Units
Validity
Bogner, J. (2000). The Agitated Behavior Scale. The Center for Outcome Measurement in Brain Injury.