Mobile computer-assisted psychometric diagnostics - Economic advantages and results of test stability

In psychotherapy, there is a rising need to evaluate the therapeutic proces s and outcome quality. However, the effort for documentation binds manpower and is a burden on economic resources. Hence, we studied the usability of a new by developed, mobile, computer-assisted basis assessment (ComBas 1.3) in comparison with paper-and-pencil versions with respect to its effects o n data structure and cost reduction. More than 9000 standardised psychometr ic tests (personality inventory: Giessentest, complaint checklist: Giessene r Beschwerdebogen, mood checklist: Berliner Stimmungsfragebogen) were appli ed with each method to 1400 psychosomatic patients. It was found that usage of the mobile computer-assisted assessment reduced the time by 21, spent o n documentation, because data organisation and accessibility for clinical, scientific, and educational needs were significantly improved. Moreover, no differences in stability, coefficients and data distribution were seen bet ween the two methods. In trait variables, there was also an equivalence in scale means, but in state variables, especially in complaint scales, we ide ntified a tendency toward higher scale means in computer-assisted measureme nt. We cannot establish whether this is only a methodical effect or is addi tionally influenced by changes in samples during the evaluation period betw een 1989 and 1996. Hence, we concluded that comparison samples for state in struments should be adjusted to the applied test form and actualised for us e in individual diagnostics.