title: Validation of a computerized assessment (PROQSY) of minor psychological morbidity by Relative Operating Characteristic analysis using a single GP's assessments as criterion measures.
abstract: This is a study of the criterion validity of a newly developed computerized assessment (PROQSY) of minor psychological morbidity based on the Clinical Interview Schedule, employing a single GP's assessments as criterion measures of such morbidity and Relative Operating Characteristic (ROC) analysis. Two-stage screening was carried out with a consecutive sample of 256 patients aged 15-69 consulting an experienced GP in a semi-rural setting over a six-week period. The GP made a standardized assessment of the reason for consultation and the degree of psychological disorder present. A 40% random sub-sample was then assessed using PROQSY. The area under the ROC curve using a GP criterion of minor psychological disorder ('degree of psychological problem - mild or greater') was 0.81 (S.D. = 0.06). However, the kappa coefficient obtained between this criterion assessment and the PROQSY assessment of minor psychological problem at the observed optimal cut-off score was only 0.28 (S.E. = 0.1; Z = 2.83). It is concluded that PROQSY may be recommended for further development as a research tool providing a valid measure of minor psychological morbidity as assessed by GPs in primary care settings.
authors.affiliation: Institute of Psychiatry, London.
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Wilkinson
authors.forename: A C
authors.initials: AC
authors.lastname: Markus
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D003936:Diagnosis, Computer-Assisted / Q000295:instrumentation*; D004739:England; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis*; D008838:Microcomputers; D008875:Middle Aged; D011581:Psychological Tests / Q000295:instrumentation*; D011594:Psychometrics; D012017:Referral and Consultation; D012984:Software