Proposed Multi-Site Training Procedures for Computerized Assessments

1. Trainee attends a standardized training session, in which the paper-and-pencil version is reviewed in conjunction with the manual or question specifications for that interview. At this training session DSM-IV criteria for each disorder are also reviewed, along with a brief history of the interview. The goal of this session is to achieve basic familiarity with all interview questions and the intent of each question, along with standard ways for reading questions, when and how to probe responses, rules for dealing with repetition and explanation of questions, and handling subject’s questions or provocations.

a. CIDI-SAM: “SAM Version 4.1 User’s Manual and Question-by-Question Specifications for the Paper Version”

b. DISC: “DISC-IV Interviewer’s Manual”

c. DIS: “Diagnostic Interview Schedule Version IV Question-by-Question Specifications” and Chapters 2, 3, and 4 of Interview Guide.

2. Using the paper-and-pencil version, the trainee administers a mock interview for each instrument to the trainer.

3. The computerized program for each instrument is reviewed in detail with the trainee. The goal of this session is to achieve basic familiarity with the program itself, as well as troubleshooting and discussion of common computer problems/issues.

a. CIDI-SAM: “Getting Started Guide to the Computerized SAM-IV Program”

b. DISC: “C-DISC4 for Windows User Manual”

c. DIS: TBA

4. The trainee conducts a computerized mock interview for each instrument with the trainer.

5. The protocol established by each site for reporting incidents such as suicidal ideation or child abuse is reviewed with the trainee.

6. The trainee role plays/or watches videotapes or observes “live” interviews to become more familiar with the interview. This can be done at any time during the training process.

7. Once training is completed, the trainee observes an experienced interviewer administer at least two computerized assessments during a “live” interview.

8. The trainee is observed by an experienced interviewer on at least two computerized assessments during a “live” interview.

9. The trainee is cleared to independently interview subjects once they administer two assessments with no errors in administration.

10. Regular tester meetings at each site will also address administration issues as they arise. Each site coordinator will be responsible for informing the other site coordinators via email or website posting of administration issues/decisions. This communication will ensure that sites continue to have similar administration procedures across time. Communication should take place monthly or more often if the administration issue warrants more immediate attention.

11. Approximately every 3 - 4 months, the trainer or an experienced interviewer from each site should observe each interviewer to ensure that standardized administration procedures are still being followed.

12. Each interviewer should also periodically observe a “live” computerized interview or training videotape and code along using the paper-and-pencil version. The purpose of this is to ensure that each interviewer remains proficient on the paper-and-pencil administration of each interview. The frequency with which this occurs should be decided by each site’s coordinator.