An instrument for measuring staff's knowledge of behavior management principles (KBMQ) as applied to geropsychiatric clients in long-term care settings

Direct-care staff in long-term care institutions for the elderly are responsible for implementing behavioral treatment programs for an increasing number of patients with behavioral and psychiatric problems. Because the quality of life for these patients is a function of the quality of care provided, maximizing staff's behavioral competencies could potentially improve patients' quality of life. Behavioral competence requires an understanding of behavioral principles. To assess direct-care staff's knowledge of behavioral principles as applied to geropsychiatric settings the KBMQ, a 30-item multiple choice instrument, was designed. The psychometric properties were tested with 203 staff. Results suggest that the instrument is reliable and valid. Potential uses and limitations are discussed.