More than meets the eye: how examiner training affects the reliability of the MacNeill-Lichtenberg decision tree in geriatric rehabilitation patients.
OBJECTIVE
To examine the effect of examiner training on the test-retest reliability of the MacNeill-Lichtenberg Decision Tree (MLDT), a tool for guiding clinicians' decision making for referrals for mental health problems.


METHODS
Correlational analyses and chi-squares were used to examine the influence of demographic variables on MLDT performance and the test-retest reliability of its cognitive and affective components.


METHODS
Rehabilitation unit of a large, freestanding, urban hospital.


METHODS
In study 1, 39 older, medical rehabilitation patients consecutively referred to the neuropsychology service. In study 2, 57 older, consecutively admitted medical rehabilitation patients.


METHODS
In study 1, patients underwent testing with the MLDT by a novice examiner. In study 2, patients were tested by trained examiners. Both sets of results were compared with those obtained by experienced examiners.


METHODS
The temporal stability of participants' performance on the cognitive and affective components of the MLDT was compared between the 2 studies.


RESULTS
Training was associated with high test-retest reliability on both the cognitive and affective components. A lack of training was associated with reduced reliability in depression screening.


CONCLUSIONS
These findings support the use of the MLDT as a mental health triage tool for older adults in inpatient medical settings. Its use is dependent on training and accurate administration.
Bank
Adam L
AL
Department of Psychology, Institute of Gerontology, Rehabilitation Institute of Michigan, Wayne State University, 226 Knapp Bldg., 87 E Ferry, Detroit, MI 48202, USA. ALBANK2000@hotmail.com
Macneill
Susan E
SE
Hall
Elizabeth M
EM
Nadjarian
Richard K
RK
Zaccagnini
Ann V
AV
Lichtenberg
Peter A
PA
D000368:Aged; D016009:Chi-Square Distribution; D003072:Cognition Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis*; D003663:Decision Trees; D004522:Educational Status; D005260:Female; D015577:Geriatric Assessment; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012047:Rehabilitation Centers; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D013663:Teaching / Q000379:methods*