ABSTRACT
One advantage of using scales is that of
reliability both between assessors and over the
course of time. Another is the reductionism
itself: although this has to be balanced by a
clinical and ‘holistic’ assessment, the provision
of a number allows measurement of change
and ready comparison of the patient to others
and to population norms. One further, almost
hidden, advantage of scales is that they can act
as a prompt to full clinical assessment. The
incorporation of a set of assessment scales into
clinical practice can encourage, for example,
full and pro-active assessment of behaviour
rather than relying on a reactive assessment
following carer complaint.
