Automation of behavioral observations on hospitalized psychiatric patients.

The authors describe a computerized nursing observation reporting system that records moment-to-moment patient behavior in a more objectively accurate, condensed, and accessible manner than has previously been possible. Since a basic goal of therapy is to help the patient modify his maladaptive behavior, the system reported here would facilitate timely treatment by the therapist. At the same time, such a computerized system permits a standardization and quantification of behavioral observations, resulting in useful predictor indices that reveal significant patterns of change in patient behavior.