Standardised screening and assessment

The informal assessment process can be aided by a range of standardised screening and assessment tools. Standardised tools can be a useful means of gathering data by providing a reliable and valid view of the client’s difficulties and current life situation [452, 453]. Furthermore, when conducted appropriately, the process of standardised assessment can be a source of rapport building [454, 455].

Groth-Marnat [425, 456] suggests that when conducting standardised assessment, it is important to:

• Provide the client with the reasons for assessment and the purpose of each instrument.
• Explain that it is a standard procedure.
• Explain how standardised assessment can be useful in helping clients achieve their goals (e.g., by providing an objective measure).
• Provide appropriate and timely feedback of the results of the assessment.

Standardised assessment is an ongoing process, but should be completed upon entry into and exit from treatment, as well as at follow-up [102, 389]. Test results can provide useful clinical information (for both the client and AOD worker) on the client’s case and an evaluation of how effective treatment has been. A variety of different tools are used, some of which are empirically established instruments, whilst others are purpose-built, internally designed tools with increased practicality and utility but unknown validity and reliability [457, 458]. Some helpful screening tools have been included in Appendices J – Y. Standardised tools cover a range of areas that may be relevant to AOD services, including global health, general health and functioning, and specific mental health conditions. Table 26 lists the standardised screening and assessment tools discussed in this section.