SELF-AUDIT

Self-Audit (SA) is an objective, standardized and automated (computer-scored) self-administered test.  It is designed for counseling and treatment program intake.  The Self-Audit (SA) can also be used in court, probation and community corrections settings.  The Self-Audit (SA) consists of 160 items and takes 30 to 35 minutes to complete.  It can be administered individually or in group settings.  The Self-Audit (SA) contains nine (9) measures (scales): 1. Truthfulness Scale, 2. Distress Scale, 3. Resistance Scale, 4. Morale Scale, 5. Violence Scale, 6. Alcohol Scale, 7. Drugs Scale and 8. Self-Esteem Scale, and 9. Stress Coping Abilities Scale.

 

Nine Scales (Measures)

The nine Self-Audit (SA) scales are summarized as follows:
 

1. Truthfulness Scale: Measures how truthful the client was while completing the SA.  It identifies denial, problem minimization and faking.  It identifies attempts to fake good.

2.  Distress Scale: Measures pain, misery and suffering.  Distress incorporates physical pain, mental abuse, anxiety anguish and depression.

3.  Resistance Scale: Measures the client’s defensiveness, resistance to help and uncooperativeness.  This scale score varies directly with the client’s attitude and outlook.  Some people resist help; whereas, others accept it.

4.  Morale Scale: Measures the client’s mental outlook with respect to enthusiasm, confidence and willingness to work through hardships.

5.  Violence (Lethality) Scale: Measures the client’s propensity for using force to injure, damage or destroy.  This scale identifies people that are dangerous to themselves or others.

6.  Alcohol Scale: Measures alcohol (beer, wine and other liquor) use and the severity of abuse.  Alcohol is a licit substance.

7. Drugs Scale: Measures drug (marijuana, cocaine, amphetamines, crack, barbiturates and heroin) use and the severity of abuse.  Drugs refer to illicit substances.

8.  Self-Esteem Scale: reflects a person’s explicit valuing and appraisal of self.  It incorporates an attitude of acceptance-approval versus rejection-disapproval.

9.  Stress Coping Abilities Scale: Measures how well the client handles stress.  This is a non-introversive screen for identifiable (diagnosable) emotional and mental health problems.

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The Self-Audit differs from the Victim Index (VI) in that the SA contains a Violence (Lethality) Scale and an individual Alcohol Scale and Drugs Scale.  In contrast, the Victim Index (VI) has a Suicide Ideation Scale and Substance Abuse Scale.  To further contrast these two tests, their scales (measures) are listed below.
 

Some evaluators will want to compare test-generated reports. An example Self-Audit report can be viewed by clicking on the Example Self-Audit Report link. An example Victim Index report can be reviewed by clicking on the Example Victim Index Report link.

In response to counselors’ requests, the Victim Index was modified and called the Self-Audit.  Some clinicians requested violence, alcohol and drug information and were willing to let go of Suicide Ideation, Substance Abuse and Self-Esteem measures.  Risk & Needs Assessment, Inc. (Risk & Needs) decided to address this situation by developing the SA and concurrently maintaining the VI.  This gives assessors a choice.  They can select the test that best meets their needs.

Why Use the Self-Audit?

When dealing with clients and patients, it is important to accurately assess their problems and needs.  The Self-Audit (SA) helps in clients understanding their life situation and possible stressors.  Early problem identification facilitates quicker intervention and treatment.

At one sitting of approximately 30 to 35 minutes, staff can acquire a vast amount of patient information that can influence subsequent intervention and treatment outcome.

Advantages of Screening

Screening and assessment instruments filter out individuals with problems warranting referral for a more comprehensive evaluation and counseling or treatment.  This filtering system works as follows:

Reference to the above table shows that a problem is not identified until a scale score is at the 70^th percentile or higher.  These risk range percentiles are based upon clients that have completed the SA.  This procedure is fair and avoids extremes, i.e., over-identification and under-identification of problems.

A doctor, counselor, health care professional or agency may refer clients with identified problems for further evaluation or treatment services.  In the case presented above, eleven percent (11%) of the juveniles screened (Severe Problem) would be referred for counseling or treatment.  In this example, 89% (contingent upon adopted policy) of the people screened would not be referred for additional (and unnecessary as well as expensive) services. 
 
Savings (dollars) could be large with no compromises in clients receiving appropriate evaluation and/or treatment services.  Indeed, it is likely more clients would receive help. Without a screening program, there is usually more risk of over or under-utilization of additional specialized services.

Test Booklets

SA test booklets are provided free. These booklets contain 160 items and are written at a 5^th to 6^th grade reading level.  If a person can read the newspaper, they can read the SA.

Reports

In brief, SA reports summarize the victim’s self-report history, explain what attained scale scores mean and offer specific score-related recommendations.
    
Within 2½ minutes of test data entry, automated (computer-scored) reports are printed on-site. These reports summarize a lot of information in an easily understood format.  For example, reports include an SA profile (graph), which summarizes all scale scores at a glance.  Also included are scale scores, an explanation of what each score means and specific score-related recommendations.  In addition, significant items (direct admissions) are highlighted, and answers to a built-in interview (last sequence of items) are presented.  Emphasis is placed on having meaningful reports that are helpful and easily understood. 

Reliability, Validity and Accuracy

The SA has a proprietary built-in database that insures inclusion of all administered tests in a confidential (no names) manner.  SA reliability, validity and accuracy statistics are reported herein.  This analysis demonstrates that SA scales have high reliability and validity coefficients.

For example, interscale consistencies (coefficient alpha) for SA scales are reported in the following table for clients tested with the SA.

All SA scales have alpha coefficients above the professionally accepted standard of .75 and are highly reliable.  And, all coefficient alphas are significant at the p<.001 level.

Early studies used criterion measures and were validated with other tests, e.g., Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI) L-Scale and F-Scale, 16PF, Victim Index, Taylor Manifest Anxiety Scale, Treatment Intervention Inventory (TII), etc.  The SA evolved from the Victim Index.  Much of this research is summarized in the document titled “SA: An Inventory of Scientific Findings.”

The Self-Audit is introduced on Risk & Needs website to expand its normative sample.  The SA is available to interested test users for a 3 month period – free.  As always, used diskettes shall be returned to Risk & Needs for inclusion in the SA expanding database. 

Software

The SA is available in MS-DOS or Windows diskettes.  MS-DOS diskettes contain all their own software.  Windows diskettes require a one time set-up procedure after which SA data (25 or 50 test) diskettes are used to score and print reports.  Training manuals are provided free, and new test users can be walked through these scoring procedures over Risk & Needs’ telephone line.

 Proprietary SA diskettes contain 25 or 50 test applications.  These 3½” or 5¼” diskettes score, interpret and print reports on-site.  Once a SA account is established, ordered diskettes are mailed to users.  When all test applications on a SA diskette are used, these diskettes are returned to Risk & Needs where demographics and test data are downloaded into the SA database for subsequent database analysis.  The proprietary “delete names” program is activated by the test user with a few keystrokes to delete all client names from diskettes before they are returned to Risk & Needs Deleting all client names insures protection of each client’s confidentiality and compliance with HIPAA (federal regulation 45 C.F.R. 164.501).

Database

The SA system contains a proprietary built-in database.  Earlier it was noted that all SA used diskettes are returned to Risk & Needs and the test data is downloaded into the SA’s expanding database.  This database allows ongoing research and testing program summary, features that were only rarely possible before. Ongoing research insures quality control. Annual testing program summaries provide for program self-evaluation. And, these features are provided free.

 Built-in Database

The SA permits ongoing research and annual program summary -- at no additional cost.  As discussed earlier, when the 25 or 50 test diskettes are used, used diskettes are returned to Risk & Needs and downloaded into the expanding SA database.  Advantages of this proprietary database are many and include database analysis and annual summary reports.  Returned diskettes can be summarized on a state, department, agency or provider basis -- at no additional cost to users.

 In summary, all returned SA diskettes’ test data is centrally filed at Risk & Needs’ offices in the SA database.  This database has many advantages. Database analysis permits ongoing cost efficient research that includes scale alpha coefficients, ANOVA, frequency distributions, correlations, cross-tab statistics along with reliability, validity and accuracy determinations.

 Staff Member Input

The SA is to be used in conjunction with experienced staff judgment. When available, adjustment records should be reviewed, as they can contain important information not provided or incorrectly provided by the client.  Experienced staff should also interview the client.  For these reasons, the following statement is contained in each SA report: “Self-Audit results are confidential and are working hypotheses.  No diagnosis or decision should be based solely upon these results.  These test results are to be used in conjunction with experienced staff judgment and review of available records.”

 How Do You Assess Denial?

Sometimes, clients minimize, exaggerate or distort the truth.  Sometimes, this is deliberate, but it can be inadvertent.  People tend to want to appear in a good light -- it’s normal.  Yet, in many cases, it’s important to determine whether or not the client is telling the truth.  The SA contains a Truthfulness Scale that determines how truthful the respondent was while completing the test.  This scale identifies denial, problem minimization and faking.  And the SA doesn’t stop there.  Error of measurement due to untruthfulness is measured for each scale and reported as Truth-Corrected scores.  Truth-Corrected scores are more accurate than raw scores.

 Unique SA Features

Truthfulness Scale: Measures how truthful the respondent was while completing the SA.  This scale identifies denial, problem minimization and faking.  The SA Truthfulness Scale has been validated with other tests, truthfulness studies and the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI) L- and F-Scales.  It consists of a number of items that most people agree or disagree with.  This important scale has been demonstrated to be reliable, valid and accurate.  Much of this research is reported in the document titled “SA: An Inventory of Scientific Findings.”

 Truth-Corrected Scores

Truth-Corrected scores have proven to be important in enhancing assessment accuracy.  This proprietary truth correction procedure is comparable to the MMPI K-Scale correction methodology.  The SA Truthfulness Scale has been correlated with the other seven SA scales.  The truth correction equation then converts raw scores to Truth-Corrected scores.  Raw scores reflect what the respondent wants you to know.  Truth-Corrected scores reveal what the respondent is trying to minimize.  Truth-Corrected scores are more accurate than raw scores. 

More Than Just Another Alcohol or Drug Test

In addition to substance (alcohol and other drugs) abuse, the SA assesses other important areas of inquiry like distress, morale, self-esteem, resistance, suicide potential and stress coping abilities.  The SA is designed specifically for client assessment and screening.
 
Three Ways to Give the Self-Audit

The SA can be administered in three different ways: 1. Paper-pencil test booklet format. 2. The SA can be given directly on the computer screen.  And, 3. The proprietary “human voice audio” involves both the computer and a headset. The respondent uses the up-down arrow keys.  As the respondent goes from question to answer with the arrow keys, that question or answer is highlighted on the monitor (screen) and simultaneously read to the respondent. These test administration modes are discussed in the “SA: Orientation and Training Manual.” Each of these test administration modes is made available so test users can select the mode that is best suited to their needs.

 Reading Impaired Assessment

Reading impaired clients represent many of the people tested with the SA.  Risk & Needs ’s tests are written at a 5^th to 6^th grade reading level.  If a person can read the newspaper, they can read and understand the SA.  Risk & Needs also offers a proprietary alternative for reading impaired assessment, which is called “human voice audio.” 

Human Voice Audio

Human voice audio is available in English and Spanish.  It helps resolve many reading and cultural difference issues.  A person’s passive vocabulary is often greater than their active (spoken) vocabulary.  Hearing items read out loud often helps reduce cultural and communication problems.  As discussed earlier, “human voice audio” test presentation requires a computer, earphones and simple instructions regarding how to operate the up-down arrow keys located on the computer keyboard.

Confidentiality

Risk & Needs encourages test users to delete respondent names from diskettes before they are returned to Risk & Needs .  This proprietary name deletion procedure involves a few keystrokes.  Once respondent names are deleted, they are gone and cannot be retrieved.  Deleting names does not delete demographics or test data which is downloaded into the SA database for subsequent analysis. The “delete names” procedure insures client confidentiality and compliance with HIPAA (federal regulation 45 C.F.R. 164.501).

 Test Data Input Verification

This proprietary program allows the person that inputs test data from the answer sheet into the computer to verify the accuracy of their data input.  In brief, test data is input twice, and any inconsistencies between the first and second data entries are highlighted until corrected.  When the first and second data entries match or are the same, the staff person may continue. Use of this data input verification procedure is optional, yet strongly recommended by Risk & Needs .

Inventory of Scientific Findings

Much of the SA research has been gathered together in one document titled “SA: An Inventory of Scientific Findings.”  This document summarizes SA research chronologically -- as the studies were completed.  This innovative chronological reporting format was established largely because of the SA database, which permits annual database analysis of all tests administered that year. It also allows the reader to observe the evolution of the SA into its current state-of-the-art position.

Orientation and Training Manual

The “SA: Orientation and Training Manual” (O&T Manual) explains how the SA works.  This manual is a must read for staff that will be using the SA.  O&T Manual content includes, but is not limited to, the following: testing instructions, an explanation of how scores are derived, a description of unique SA features and much more.

Computer Operating Guide

Some computer operators want more information than others.  Consequently, Risk & Needs provides a One-Page Quick Start, which includes basic instructions for scoring, and a more comprehensive Computer Operating Guide.  The Computer Operating Guide contains instructions for using MS-DOS as well as Windows software, scoring, printing reports, unique program features and much more.

Staff Training

Risk & Needs ’s staff is available to participate in SA training programs scheduled by test users in the United States.  Large departments, agencies or statewide programs often are interested in SA training.  Sometimes, smaller agencies or departments get together for a joint SA training session.  Risk & Needs gives attendees certificates attesting to their SA training.

 Free Examination Kit.

A 1-test demonstration diskette can be provided on a 30-day cost free basis.  Demo diskettes are in MS-DOS format so that all the software is contained on the diskette.  This way, the one time Windows setup procedure is avoided at the demo level.  Examination kits contain the 1-test demonstration diskette, test booklet and training manuals.  Risk & Needs does want the demonstration diskette and test booklet returned within 30 days.

How to Proceed: To become a Risk & Needs test user, click on the Agreement & Proposals link, click on the Print Client User Agreement button and fax the completed form to (602) 266-8227, or mail your completed form to Risk & Needs. Upon its receipt by Risk & Needs, you become a Risk & Needs test user and can order tests. Risk & Needs test users can reorder tests by mail, telephone, fax or e-mail.

Other related links are listed for reference. They are available as needed.

    Test Unit Fee (Cost) webpage link. Explains Risk & Needs' Test Unit Fees or Costs.
    New Client Order webpage link. Explains steps to become a "new Risk & Needs client."
    How to Order webpage link. Explains how Risk & Needs tests can be ordered.

Additional information can be provided upon request. Contact Risk & Needs Assessment, Inc., P.O. Box 44828, Phoenix, Arizona 85064-4828. Risk & Needs' telephone number is (602) 234-3506, our fax number is (602) 266-8227 and our e-mail address is hhl@riskandneeds.com.

Selecting a Client Assessment Instrument or Test

If you are selecting a client assessment instrument, the following "comparison checklist" should prove to be helpful. This checklist itemizes important assessment and screening qualities. The "Other" column represents any other test you might want to compare to the Self-Audit (SA).