Abstract
Objectives: To evaluate the interrater reliability of a modified Japanese version of State Behavioral Scale (SBS). Methods: We translated SBS into Japanese and partly modified the item regarding spontaneous breathing. The sedation status of pediatric patients aged < 16 years who were mechanically ventilated in our pediatric ICU was evaluated using the modified Japanese version of SBS. The scores were measured by a bedside nurse and an in-charge nurse or a physician, and the interrater reliability of the scores was analyzed using the weighted κ statistic. Results: A total of 63 sets of observations were made for 10 patients. With regard to interrater reliability, the weighted κ coefficient of modified Japanese version of SBS scores was 0.57. The weighted κ coefficient of the each element of the modified Japanese version of SBS was as follows: 0.78 (spontaneous breathing), 0.56 (coughing), 0.59 (best response to stimulation), 0.21 (attentiveness to care provider), 0.56 (tolerance to care), 0.61 (consolability), 0.60 (movement). Conclusions: The interrater reliability of the modified Japanese version of SBS scores was moderate. One element constituting the scale had a low rate of agreement. Our results suggest that further modification of the scale and reevaluation are necessary.
