Development and testing of the resistiveness to care scale

A conceptual model and objective scale for measuring resistiveness to care in individuals with advanced dementia of the Alzheimer type (DAT) were empi rically generated from the perspective of nursing staff caregivers and thro ugh observation of residents with DAT. The resistiveness to care scale (RTC -DAT) was judged to have content validity and reduced to 13 items. Quantifi able scoring procedures and methods for rating videotapes and conducting cl inical observations were developed. The RTC-DAT was tested with 68 subjects at three sites. The RTC has a range of 0-156. Initial testing provided rel iability estimates of .82-.87 for internal consistency and good to excellen t kappas. Criterion-related validity with observed discomfort and construct validity by factor analysis support the RTC-DAT. Measurement issues and re commendations for use in research are discussed. (C) 1999 John Wiley & Sons , Inc.