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A tariff system for nervous shock: introducing the total impact score

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  13 June 2014

Peter Curran ,
Paul Miller ,
Michael Stevenson ,
Tony O'Neill ,
Stephen Hamilton  and
Iain McGowan
Peter Curran
Affiliation:
Mater Infirmorum Hospital, Crumlin Rd, Belfast, Northern Ireland
Paul Miller*
Affiliation:
Whiteabbey Hospital, Belfast, Northern Ireland
Michael Stevenson
Affiliation:
Mulhouse Building
Tony O'Neill
Affiliation:
Department of Mental Health, Queen's University, Belfast, Northern Ireland
Stephen Hamilton
Affiliation:
The Queen's University of Belfast, Northern Ireland
Iain McGowan
Affiliation:
University of Ulster, Cromore Rd, Coleraine, Northern Ireland
*
paul.miller@bigfoot.com
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Abstract

Objectives: This study was designed to test a proposed relationship between the total impact score (devised by the authors) and the quantum of damages in compensation received by victims of criminal and political violence. In so doing, the authors sought to develop a mathematical formula which could be used to quantify damages in a simple and expeditious manner.

Method: Data on 2,191 victims of violence was collated forming three databases of information, on the incident, on the victim and on the outcomes. A tool of measurement of the psychosocial impact of the traumatic event was designed (the Total Impact Score). Information on a subsample of the 208 survivors of attempted assassination was then selected and the TIS for each individual was calculated and examined for correlations with other variables including the quantum damages awarded.

Results: The TIS was shown to have validity as a measure of the psychosocial impact of a traumatic event upon an individual. The analysis showed a significant relationship between the TIS and quantum awarded. This relationship was used to generate a mathematical formula which could be used to calculate quantum damages in any case. Compensation = £500 × (10(0037t+0.059y) -1), where t is the TIS and y is the number of years after 1985.

Conclusions: The TIS can be taken as a valid tool for quantifying the psychosocial impact of a traumatic event or violent act. The tool consists of a checklist of readily ascertainable outcome variables each of which can be scored and a TIS calculated. From this score the amount of damages can be ascertained. The authors believe that this measurement tool represents a fair and equitable method of calculating a case's worth.

Keywords

TraumaTotal impact scoreNervous shockPTSDQuantum damagesCriminal injuries
Type
Original Papers
Information
Irish Journal of Psychological Medicine , Volume 21 , Issue 2 , June 2004 , pp. 48 - 52
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 2004

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References

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