[Usefulness of psychometric evaluation in the care of psychiatric patients: evaluation of the Italian version of "Nurses Observation Scale for Inpatient Observation" (N.O.S.I.S)].

We carried out a validation study of the Italian version of the "Nurses' Observation Scale for Inpatient Evaluation" (It. v. N.O.S.I.E). The It. v. N.O.S.I.E. was administered to a heterogeneous department. Factor analysis revealed six factors underlying the scale structure (Social interest, Neatness, Irritability, Psychosis, Retardation, Competence): the result is similar to those of other previously published studies. The It. v. of N.O.S.I.E. can be considered a valid instrument useful for the nursing staff in the formulation of individual care plans for inpatients.