Description

The Patient Competency Rating Scale (PCRS) is a questionnaire developed by Prigatano (1986) to assess self-awareness and perceived functional competency, particularly following traumatic brain injury.

The instrument evaluates functioning across areas including activities of daily living, interpersonal skills and behavior, emotional functioning, and cognitive functioning.

Purpose

The primary purpose of the PCRS is to identify potential discrepancies between an individual’s perception of their abilities and the perceptions of significant others or healthcare professionals.

The questionnaire can be completed by the patient, a family member or partner, and a clinician familiar with the patient. Comparing these ratings provides information about the individual’s level of self-awareness.

Scoring and Data Analysis

PCRS scores can be analyzed separately for each respondent and compared to examine patient–informant discrepancies. Larger discrepancies may indicate reduced awareness of functional limitations.

Statistical analysis may include descriptive statistics, reliability analysis, correlations, and comparisons between patient and informant ratings.

Applications

The PCRS is particularly relevant in neuropsychology and neurorehabilitation, including the assessment of adults with traumatic brain injury and stroke.

References

Prigatano GP. Neuropsychological Rehabilitation After Brain Injury. Baltimore: Johns Hopkins University Press; 1986.

Eilander H. Dutch version of the Patient Competency Rating Scale; 1998.