NONCLIENT FACTORS IN THE REPORTING OF PRENATAL PSYCHOSOCIAL RISK ASSESSMENTS

Psychosocial and nutrition risk assessments at 27 randomly selected si tes of a Medicaid-funded enhanced prenatal program were examined for c ompleteness and uniformity of reporting. The recording of psychosocial data, but not of nutrition data, was found to be associated With a su bstantial number of nonclient factors, including geographical location and abstractor, assessor, and service provider characteristics. The v ariability in recording of psychosocial problems reflects the numerous ways that assessments are Performed and the subsequent difficulty in interpreting the practice of psychosocial assessment. A uniform system of defining and classifying risks is needed to improve both service d elivery and service evaluation.