Rating Scale of Communication in Cognitive Decline

Rating Scale of Communication in Cognitive Decline: Week Five Application

Tonya James

Walden University

Rating Scale of Communication in Cognitive Decline: Week Five Application

The instrument of my choice is the rating scale of communication in cognitive decline. This instrument assess all communication skills of patients with a diagnosis of dementia (Albanese,1991). This paper will provide information related to the purpose and nature of the instrument as well as provide technical considerations as well.

II. Purpose and Nature of the Instrument

A. Stated purpose: The purpose of the Rating Scale of Communication in Cognitive Decline (RSCCD) is to evaluate the communication skills in a patient with dementia. It helps the caregiver evaluate and observe the continued needs of the patient (D’Costa, 1991).

B. Description of test, items, and scoring: Scales are used to determine outcome measurement. The use of scales determines the range from baseline to severity and how the severity changes over a period of time (Lambert &Hawkins, 2004). The outcome measures include “content, source, method of data collection, and the time orientation of each instrument” (Lambert &Hawkins, 2004).

C. Use in counseling: When using this instrument in counseling, it is important to see change in the patient as a result of the treatment provided. Lambert & Hawkins (2004) indicated that there must be a determination of sensitivity to change and that change must be distinguished accurately. Rating scales such as this instrument can assist the counselor in case conceptualization, monitoring progress or lack of progress and recognizing when alternative interventions are needed (Lambert & Hawkins).

III. Technical Considerations

A. Normative sample: The data resulted from information received from rating from residents from two nursing homes in Florida that were diagnosed with dementia (Bollinger & Hardiman, 1991).

B....