Comparability of the absolute level of ratings on the Inpatient Multidimensional Psychiatric Scale within a homogeneous group of raters

The comparability of the absolute level of ratings of 10 psychiatric patients (mean age 43 yrs) on the Inpatient Multidimensional Psychiatric Scale (IMPS) by a homogeneous group of raters was assessed employing both reliability coefficients and ANOVA techniques. Even with attempts to standardize the sampling domain and reduce interrater variance, significant and substantial differences between raters on level of IMPS scores were found. Profile analyses indicated that this level difference was a complex function of a ^h Rater × Score ^H interaction. Specific recommendations on the usage of the IMPS as an ordinal, outcome, and diagnostic instrument are made based on the results. (21 ref)