The Quick Risk Screen (QRS) has 64 items and can be completed in 15 to 20 minutes. The QRS has four scales (measures):
1. Truthfulness Scale,
2.
Alcohol
Scale, 3. Drugs Scale and
4. Risk Scale. It is a concise, yet meaningful,
objective and standardized assessment instrument or test. The Quick Risk Screen (QRS)
has been normed and standardized on thousands of defendants and
substance (alcohol and other drugs) abuse clients.
APPLICATIONS
** Quick Risk Screen (QRS) **
Defendant (male and female) screening in court-related settings.
An alternative test in high volume assessment and screening settings.
Adult client, defendant, offender and probationer test.
Substance (alcohol and other drugs) abuse program intake screening.
Four Quick Risk Screen (QRS)
Scales (Measures)
Truthfulness Scale: Determines how honest and truthful the
client was while completing the test. This scale identifies denial, problem minimization and attempts to fake good.
Alcohol Scale: Measures the severity of alcohol use and abuse.
Alcohol refers to beer, wine and other liquor. Alcohol is a legal, or licit, substance.
Drugs Scale: Measures the severity of illicit drug use and abuse.
Drugs refer to marijuana, crack, cocaine, barbiturates, amphetamines and heroin.
Risk Scale: Measures the client's danger to self and others. This
scale identifies problem prone people that manifest a pattern of taking unnecessary chances.
More Than Just Another Alcohol or
Drug Test
In addition to alcohol and drugs, the Quick Risk Screen (QRS) assesses other important areas of inquiry like truthfulness and risk
(danger to self and others). This test is brief or to the point, yet provides important attitudinal and behavioral information.
It is important to understand how truthful the client was while completing the test. The truthfulness of the client is especially
important when evaluating substance (alcohol and other drugs) abuse and client dangerousness to self and others.
Advantages of Screening
Screening or assessment instruments filter out individuals with serious problems that may require referral for a more
comprehensive evaluation (psychiatric or psychological) and/or treatment. For example:
QRS RISK RANGES
Risk Category
Risk Range Percentile
Total Percentage
Low Risk
0 - 39%
39%
Medium Risk
40 - 69%
30%
Problem Risk
70 - 89%
20%
Severe Problem
90 - 100%
11%
Reference to the above risk range table shows that a
problem is not identified until a scale score is at the 70th
percentile or higher. And, these risk range percentiles are based upon the
thousands of probationers and defendants that have taken the Quick Risk Screen (QRS).
This procedure is eminently fair, and it avoids both extremes, i.e.,
over-identification and under-identification of problems and risk.
A department, court, prosecutor, defense attorney or probation officer might refer offenders with identified problems for
further evaluation, intervention, treatment or even incarceration. In these cases, eleven percent (11%) of the offenders
screened (Severe Problem) would be referred. In this example, eighty-nine percent (89%) (contingent upon adopted
policy) of the offenders screened would not be referred for additional (and expensive) alternatives.
Budgetary savings (dollars) would be large with no
compromises in needy people receiving appropriate evaluation and/or treatment
services. Indeed, more needy people would receive
help. Without a screening program, there is usually much more risk of over or
under-utilization of additional professional services.
* * * * *
Test
Booklet
Quick Risk Screen (QRS) test booklets and answer sheets are provided
free. These booklets contain 64 items, which are written at a high 5th
to low 6th grade level. If a person can read the newspaper, they
can read the Quick Risk Screen (QRS). And, these booklets are available in English and Spanish.
Reports
In brief, Quick Risk Screen (QRS) reports summarize the client's
self-reported history, explain what attained scale scores mean and contain
specific score-related recommendations.
Within 2½ minutes of test data entry, automated (computer-scored) 3-page reports are printed on-site. These reports
summarize a lot of information in an easily understood format. For example, reports include an
Quick Risk Screen (QRS) profile (graph), which summarizes findings at a glance. Also
included are scale scores, an explanation of what each score means and
specific score-related recommendations. Significant items (direct admissions)
are highlighted, and answers to the built-in multiple choice (last
sequence of items) are presented. Emphasis is placed on helpful and meaningful reports that are easily understood.
An example Quick Risk Screen (QRS) report is presented at the end of this webpage. To go directly to this report, click on the
Quick Risk Screen (QRS) Example Report link.
Software
The Quick Risk Screen (QRS) is available in Windows format. Windows diskettes
require a one-time computer setup procedure after which Quick Risk Screen (QRS) data (25 or 50 tests) diskettes are used. Training manuals
are provided free, and new test users can be walked through these procedures over
Risk & Needs Assessment, Inc.'s (Risk & Needs) telephone line.
Proprietary Quick Risk Screen (QRS) diskettes contain 25 or 50 test
applications. These 3½" data (25 or 50 tests) diskettes score,
interpret and print reports on-site. Once an Quick Risk Screen (QRS) account is
established, ordered diskettes are mailed to users. Ninety-seven percent (97%)
of orders are placed in the same day's return mail. When all test applications
are used, diskettes are returned to Risk & Needs where the test data is downloaded into
the Quick Risk Screen (QRS) database for subsequent research analysis. The proprietary
"delete names" program is activated by the test user with a few keystrokes to
delete all client names from the diskette before it is returned to Risk & Needs.
Deleting all client names insures client confidentiality and compliance with
HIPAA (federal regulation 45 C.F.R. 164.501).
Quick Risk Screen Database
The Quick Risk Screen system contains a proprietary database.
Earlier, it was noted that all Quick Risk Screen (QRS) used diskettes are returned to
Risk & Needs, and the test data is downloaded into the Quick Risk Screen (QRS) database. This
database allows ongoing research and testing program summary -- capabilities
that were not possible before. Ongoing research insures quality control. Test
program summaries provide for program self-evaluation.
Built-in
Database
The Quick Risk Screen (QRS) permits ongoing research and annual testing program summary - at no additional cost. As
discussed earlier, when the 25 or 50 tests on a data diskette are used, that
diskette is returned to Risk & Needs and downloaded into the Quick Risk Screen (QRS)'s expanding database.
No personal information, names, social security numbers, etc. are ever downloaded into any
test database.
In summary, having all used Quick Risk Screen (QRS) diskettes' test
data centrally filed at Risk & Needs' offices 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. An
example Quick Risk Screen (QRS) research study can be reviewed by clicking on the
Quick Risk Screen (QRS) Research Study link.
After downloading test data returned diskettes are destroyed.
Annual Summary
Reports
Risk & Needs can access each of its tests' built-in databases for statistical analysis and summarization of all
tests administered in a year. Annual Summary Reports are prepared
for state, department, agency and even some individual providers -- at no
cost to them. These reports are provided as a professional courtesy
to large volume test users. Summary reports include demographics,
court-history when relevant, and test statistics (reliability, validity
and accuracy). Has anyone offered to summarize your testing program?
Annually? At no additional cost to you? Minimum testing volume for
annual reports is 350 tests. There is no maximum limit. Risk & Needs'
annual reports range in size from 350 tests to over 55,000 tests annually.
An example Annual Summary Report can be viewed by clicking on this
Annual Summary Report link.
Reliability and Validity
The Quick Risk Screen (QRS) has a built-in database that insures inclusion of administered tests in a confidential (no names) manner.
Over 40,000 clients are represented in this database. And, these reliability, validity and accuracy statistics are reported in
the document titled "SAQ: An Inventory of Scientific Findings." Annual database analysis further demonstrates that
Quick Risk Screen (QRS) scales maintain very high reliability coefficients.
For example, internal consistencies (coefficient alphas) for Quick Risk Screen (QRS) scales are reported for 7,986 clients screened
in the year 2002. This is one among several year 2002 studies.
QRS
FORM RELIABILITY (N=7,986, 2002)
Quick Risk Screen (QRS) Scales
Coefficient Alpha
Significance Level
Truthfulness Scale
.85
p<.001
Alcohol Scale
.89
p<.001
Drugs Scale
.88
p<.001
Risk Scale
.85
p<.001
All Quick Risk Screen (QRS) scales have alpha coefficients well above the professionally accepted standard of .75 and are highly
reliable. All of these coefficient alphas are significant at the p<.001 level.
Many validity studies have been done using criterion measures and were validated with other tests. For example, the Minnesota
Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI) L-Scale and F-Scale, SAQ-Adult Probation III, Defendant Questionnaire, etc. Much of this
research is summarized in the document titled "SAQ: An Inventory of Scientific Findings." Subsequently, discriminant
validity and predictive validity database research continues to support Quick Risk Screen (QRS) reliability, validity and accuracy.
Quick Risk Screen (QRS) Scale Correlations
Quick Risk Screen (QRS) scale scores are highly correlated with SAQ-Adult Probation III scores. A high correlation coefficient between
the QRS and the standard form means that there is a high degree of relationship between the two forms. Correlation
coefficients vary from zero to 1, where zero correlation means there is no relationship, and 1 means that two variables are
perfectly related. Correlation coefficients between the Quick Risk Screen (QRS) and SAQ-Adult Probation III are very close to perfect correlation.
Pearson Product-Moment Correlation Coefficients Between
Quick Risk Screen (QRS) Scale Scores and SAQ-Adult Probation III Scale Scores
Scales:
Truthfulness
Alcohol
Drugs
Risk
Correlation Coefficient
.98
.99
.98
.93
These results show that Quick Risk Screen (QRS) scale scores are
highly correlated with SAQ-Adult Probation III scale scores. A high
correlation coefficient means that there is a high degree of relatedness
between the two forms. In the above table, Quick Risk Screen (QRS) scale items were
correlated against the SAQ-Adult Probation III scales in this sample of
SAQ-Adult Probation III data. Quick Risk Screen (QRS) scales are subsets of SAQ-Adult
Probation III scales (same or similar items are in both tests) and they are
shown to be highly correlated with the SAQ-Adult Probation III scales. Along
with having fewer items per scale the Quick Risk Screen (QRS) Risk Scale is a short
combination of SAQ-Adult Probation III Violence Scale, Antisocial Scale and
Aggressiveness Scale test items. Also, the Stress Coping Abilities Scale is
not included in the Quick Risk Screen (QRS). For adult offender assessment, test users
now have a choice: SAQ-Adult Probation III or Quick Risk Screen (QRS).
Validity analyses confirm that the Quick Risk Screen (QRS) measures
what it purports to measure. These findings are reported in "Quick Risk Screen (QRS)
Reliability and Validity in a Large Sample of Adult Offenders (N = 7,986)
Studied in the Year 2002." To go directly to this research study, click on the
Quick Risk Screen (QRS) Research Study link.
Scale Interpretation: There are several levels of scale
interpretation ranging from viewing the SAQ-Adult Probation III and the Quick Risk Screen (QRS) as self-reports to interpreting
scale elevations and scale interrelationships. This discussion (scale
interpretation) is presented on the SAQ-Adult Probation III webpage.
Staff Member
Input
Some people advocate fully automated assessment. Risk & Needs does
not. The Quick Risk Screen (QRS) is to be used in conjunction with experienced staff
judgment. When available, court and probation records should be reviewed
because they 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 Quick Risk Screen (QRS)
report: "Quick Risk Screen (QRS) 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."
SAQ-Adult Probation III:
To ensure visitors at the Quick Risk Screen (QRS)
webpage are aware of the
SAQ-Adult Probation III, we
have included this link. The SAQ-Adult Probation III has 149 items and takes
30 minutes to complete. It has seven measures (scales):
1. Truthfulness Scale,
2. Violence (Lethality) Scale,
3. Antisocial Scale,
4. Aggressiveness Scale,
5. Alcohol Scale,
6.
Drugs Scale and
7. Stress Coping
Abilities Scale. To go directly to this webpage, click on this
SAQ-Adult Probation III link.
Unique Quick Risk Screen (QRS) Features
The Truthfulness Scale identifies denial, problem
minimization and faking. It is now clear that many clients attempt to minimize
their problems. A Truthfulness Scale is now a necessary component in
contemporary client tests. The Quick Risk Screen (QRS)'s Truthfulness Scale has been
validated with the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI),
polygraph exams, other tests, experienced staff judgment and truthfulness
studies. The Truthfulness Scale has been demonstrated to be reliable, valid
and accurate. In some respects, the Quick Risk Screen (QRS)'s Truthfulness Scale is
similar to the MMPI's L and F-Scales. It consists of a number of items that most people agree or disagree with.
Truth-Corrected scores have proven to be very important for
assessment accuracy. The proprietary truth correction program is comparable to
the MMPI's K-Scale correction. The Quick Risk Screen (QRS)'s Truthfulness Scale has been
correlated with the 3 other scales. The Truth Correction equation converts raw
scores to Truth-Corrected scores. Truth-Corrected scores are more accurate
than raw scores. Raw scores reflect what the client wants you to know.
Truth-Corrected scores reveal what the client is trying to hide.
More than just another alcohol or drug test. In addition to
alcohol and drugs, the Quick Risk Screen (QRS) assesses other important areas of
inquiry like truthfulness, denial, faking and client risk. The Quick Risk Screen (QRS)
is specifically designed for client assessment. It provides the information
needed for understanding client attitudes and behavior.
Three ways to give the Quick Risk Screen (QRS). The Quick Risk Screen (QRS)
can be administered in three different ways:
1. Paper-pencil test booklet
format is the most popular testing procedure. Quick Risk Screen (QRS) English and
Spanish test booklets are available.
2. Quick Risk Screen (QRS) tests can be given
directly on the computer screen. Some probation departments dedicate computers
for Quick Risk Screen (QRS) testing. And,
3. Human voice audio in English and Spanish.
This approach involves a computer, a headset, and the client uses the up-down
arrow keys. As the client goes from question to answer with the arrow keys,
each question and answer is highlighted on the monitor (screen) and
simultaneously read to the client. The three administration modes are
discussed in the "SAQ: Orientation and Training Manual." Each test
administration mode has advantages and some limitations. Risk & Needs
offers these three testing modes so test users can select the administration
mode that is optimally suited to their needs.
Reading Impaired Assessment. Reading impaired clients
represent 20+ percent of clients tested. This represents a serious problem to
many other client tests. In contrast, Risk & Needs has developed an
alternative for dealing with this problem, i.e., "human voice audio."
Human Voice Audio:
Presentation of the Quick Risk Screen (QRS) in English and Spanish helps overcome many reading and cultural difference
issues. A client's passive vocabulary is often greater than their active (or
spoken) vocabulary. Hearing items read out loud often helps reduce both
cultural and communication problems. This human voice audio administration
mode requires a computer, earphones and simple instructions regarding how to
operate the up-down arrow keys on the computer keyboard.
Confidentiality: Risk & Needs encourages test users to delete clients' names from diskettes before they are returned to
Risk & Needs. Once client names are deleted, they are gone and cannot
be retrieved. Deleting client names does not delete demographics or test data,
which is downloaded into the Quick Risk Screen (QRS) database for subsequent analysis.
This proprietary name deletion procedure involves a few keystrokes and insures client confidentiality
and compliance with HIPAA (federal regulation 45 C.F.R. 164.501).
Test Data Input Verification 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, staff can
continue. This proprietary Test Data Input Verification procedure is optional,
yet it is strongly recommended by Risk & Needs.
Inventory of Scientific Findings: Much of the Quick Risk Screen research has been gathered together in one document titled "SAQ: An
Inventory of Scientific Findings." This document summarizes Quick Risk Screen (QRS)
research chronologically -- as the studies were completed. This innovative
chronological reporting format was established largely because of the
Quick Risk Screen (QRS) database, which permits annual database analysis of all tests
administered. It also allows the reader to observe the evolution of the
Quick Risk Screen (QRS) into its current state-of-the-art position.
Staff Training:
Risk & Needs' staff is available
to participate in Quick Risk Screen (QRS) training programs conducted by probation
departments, courts and assessment agencies in the United States. Risk & Needs typically participates in 4-hour or 6-hour Quick Risk Screen (QRS)
training sessions. This training can include hands-on computer scoring, as
desired. Risk & Needs gives attendees certificates attesting to training.
Staff training is also provided on Fridays at Risk & Needs' Phoenix offices from 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. or from
1:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. These training sessions are free. To participate, contact
Risk & Needs at least ten days in advance.
Participation is on a first call, first scheduled basis.
Test Unit Fee (Cost): Quick Risk Screen (QRS) cost information can be reviewed by clicking on the
Test Unit Fee
(Cost) link. There is only the one cost or charge, and that is the test unit
fee. Everything else is included at no additional cost to the test user. This
includes test booklets, answer sheets, training manuals, upgrades, ongoing
database research, annual summary testing reports, staff training, and support
services. Do not be misled by some test publishers' à la carte pricing like
separate costs for each test administration as well as for each of the
test-related items listed above. Instead of asking for the test administration
cost, ask for the total cost involved in using a test. We believe Risk & Needs' one test
unit fee is very affordable.
Free Examination Kit:
A 1-test demonstration diskette is available on a 30-day cost free basis. Demo diskettes are in
Windows format. The Examination Kit includes a 1-test demo diskette, installation CD (with instructions),
test booklet, answer sheet and some descriptive materials. Risk & Needs Assessment, Inc. does want the
test booklet and diskette returned within 30 days.
Selecting a Substance Abuse Assessment Instrument or Test
If you are selecting a substance abuse assessment instrument, the following Comparison Checklist should prove helpful. This
checklist itemizes important assessment and screening qualities. The "Other" column represents any other test you might
want to compare to the Quick Risk Screen (QRS).
An example Quick Risk Screen (QRS) report is presented for review.
Although a similar format or report outline is used in all Quick Risk Screen (QRS)
reports, these reports are highly individualized. The first page contains the
client's name, some basic demographics and the Quick Risk Screen (QRS) profile (graph),
which summarizes test findings at a glance. The second page presents Quick Risk Screen scale paragraphs. Each paragraph reports the client's scale score,
explains what that score means and provides score-related recommendations. The
second page highlights significant items (direct admissions) and itemizes
multiple choice answers. The client's answer to each of these items is
presented. Sometimes, it's informative to compare these answers (with all
their biases) to the objective and empirically based scale scores.
Additional information can be provided upon request by writing:
Risk & Needs Assessment, Inc. P.O. Box 44828 Phoenix, Arizona 85064-4828.
Our telephone number is (602) 234-3506
Our fax number is (602) 266-8227
and our e-mail address is
sheryl@riskandneeds.com.
