The making of a self-neglect severity scale.
BACKGROUND
Research in elder self-neglect has lagged behind that of other forms of mistreatment, despite the fact that self-neglect is the most common allegation reported to Adult Protective Service agencies throughout the US. The lack of a gold standard to measure self-neglect has hampered efforts to study this phenomenon.


METHODS
Researchers designed the Self-Neglect Severity Scale (SSS) based on interviews with Adult Protective Service workers and a national expert panel. The SSS is based on observation and interview and is administered in the home to include an environmental assessment. It was piloted, extensively field tested and then revised.


RESULTS
The CREST SSS was developed using survey data and consultation with experts in the field. This instrument utilizes observer ratings, interview responses, and assesses subjects' physical and environmental domains. It also assesses functional status as it relates to health and safety issues. After field and pilot testing, the SSS was finalized and is currently undergoing reliability and validity testing.


CONCLUSIONS
The CREST SSS was developed as a state scale to provide a common language for describing cases of self-neglect. It is the first self-neglect severity scale available to researchers. If found to be both reliable and valid, it may be used in future intervention studies.
Dyer
Carmel Bitondo
CB
Department of Internal Medicine, University of Texas Medical School--Houston, Harris County Hospital District, USA. carmel_dyer@hchd.tmc.edu
Kelly
P Adam
PA
Pavlik
Valory N
VN
Lee
Jessica
J
Doody
Rachelle S
RS
Regev
Tziona
T
Pickens
Sabrina
S
Burnett
Jason
J
Smith
Scott M
SM
D000368:Aged; D001294:Attitude to Health; D004552:Elder Abuse / Q000145:classification / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000523:psychology; D015577:Geriatric Assessment / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D006920:Hygiene; D016743:Mental Competency; D010865:Pilot Projects; D012648:Self Care / Q000145:classification / Q000523:psychology*; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D014481:United States