Assessment Tools
Assessment Tools for Measuring Outcomes in Psychosis
MIRECC Version of the Global Assessment of Functioning Scale
The MIRECC GAF measures occupational functioning, social functioning, and symptom severity on three subscales. MIRECC GAF ratings were obtained for 398 individuals with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder who were receiving treatment at three Veterans Affairs mental health clinics. Assessments were completed using the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale and the Quality of Life Interview at baseline and nine months later. All three MIRECC GAF subscales exhibited very high levels of reliability. The three MIRECC GAF subscales can be scored reliably, and they have good concurrent and predictive validity. Further work is needed on brief measures of patient functioning, especially measures of social functioning.
For further information contact:
Noosha Niv, PhD
Email: Noosha.Niv@va.gov
Competency Assessment Instrument (CAI)
One approach to improving the quality of care for severe mental illnesses (SMI) such as schizophrenia is through the improvement of provider competencies; the attitudes, knowledge, and skills needed to deliver high-quality care. The CAI measures 15 provider competencies developed by Young et al (2000) that were viewed as central to recovery-oriented care. Each competency is measured with its own scale, which is made of a combination of three to five Likert items requesting a numerical response on a four or five-point scale. Demographic questions assessing race/ethnicity, gender, education level, job title, job duties, and number of years in mental health are also included.
For further information contact:
Alexander S. Young, M.D., M.S.H.S.
Email: PsyChairSemelDir@mednet.ucla.edu
