Outcome measure to assess head-down bed rest subject performance

Background: The purpose of the present study was to develop an objective outcome measure to assess the performance of head-down bed rest subjects. The rationale behind the development was that the current outcome measure is subjective and dependent upon how much the clinical psychologist knows about subject behaviors during the study to rate them accurately. Methods: The behaviorally anchored rating scales (BARS) were developed through the use of the critical incident technique, along with traditional BARS development procedures, and the use of focus groups. Results: Use of these methodologies yielded 86 usable critical incidents, which were used as anchors for the scales. Discussion: Further research will be necessary to determine whether or not associations exist between data from the BARS and psychological screening data.