Presenters:Mary Deitch JD, Psy.D (Keystone Center ECU)

Ron Neufeld B.S.W, L.A.D.A.C (Vanderbilt)AJ Reid Finlayson, M.D. (Vanderbilt)

Objectives Learn what a professional clinical

assessment can tell youLearn how assessments are approached and

the tools and techniques utilizedLearn how to use and understand reports and

the information contained thereinLearn about different types of assessment

Why refer for assessment?When a professional has been accused of

inappropriate conductTo gain clarity of the professional’s possible

issuesFor diagnostic clarificationTo aid those in working with the professional

understand potential problematic areasTo have an outside party’s perspective

How to frame a referral questionHave to understand what assessment can and

can’t doCan’t tell definitively if a situation occurred

(e.g. guilt vs. innocence)Can give you ideas and recommendations for

the best way to approach a situationCan give you ideas and recommendations

about how best to approach therapy or boundary work

Referral Question contMany times the question involves assistance

with treatment planningMany times the question involves assistance

with boundaries Many times the question involves how to

integrate the professional back to work Many times the question involves how to

manage the professional prior to returning to work and what would have to be achieved before returning to safe practice

Common Assessment TopicsDrug and Alcohol ConcernsSexual compulsivity concerns (hypersexual

disorder or paraphilic issues)Boundary violationsDisruptive PhysicianOther mental health concernsCognitive difficulties

Standard AssessmentWhile there are similarities amongst all

professionals on how to conduct assessments, there is no “standard” in the field.

There are “shoulds”There will be collateral interviews. This is

where referral sources can be of assistance.There will be personality, cognitive and

emotional functioning Both objective and projective

There will be good clinical interview(s)

Standards ContThere will be a psychosocial historyThere will be an assessment of current

professional and personal stressorsRegardless of the referral question, there

should still be some assessment of addiction issues as well as interpersonal issues

Keystone “Standard”All clients get basic assessment which

includesWAIS-IVMMPI-2RorschachCollateral InterviewClinical InterviewBDI-2, BHS, BAI, HDQ, SAA, TSI

Keystone contSome clients will get extra assessments such

as polygraph and AASI-2 and neuropsychological assessments

Vanderbilt “Standard”MOCAMMPI – 2PAIEqiBDI, MAST, DAST, SAST, BVI, ACE, Medical History and Physical ExamClinical interviewsPsychosocial interviewsCollateral contacts and documentation

Vanderbilt contOther possible assessment services include

AASI, extensive neuropsychological testing, consultation with other medical specialties, and polygraph examination.

What to expectAnswer to referral questionRecommendations should be as specific as

possibleE.g.: “this physician needs to be monitored” vs.

“It is recommended that this physician be monitored by….”

E.g.: “this physician needs treatment” vs. “it is recommended that this physician seek treatment consisting of…”

How to understand the reportTypically set up similar:

Reason for referralTesting MaterialsBackground InformationBehavioral ObservationsAssessment Information

Cognitive Personality and emotional functioning Specialty assessment

How to read contSummary and or diagnosisRecommendations

Case examples2-3 cases illustrating problems encountered

during Fitness-for-Duty Evaluations will be briefly presented for discussion

Discussion around problem case situationsNeed for more standardization to ensure

quality of evaluation procedureForum for consultation / review of difficult

cases

Questions

For further informationRon and Reid- Vanderbilt Comprehensive Assessment Program, for Professionals 3rd floor VPH, Suite 3068 1601 23rd Ave. S.Nashville, TN  37212 email:  vcap@vanderbilt.edu Phone numbers: Office: (615) 322-4567 Fax: (615) 322-7526

Mary- • Keystone Center Extended Care Unit• 2000 Providence Ave• Chester PA 19013• 800-733-6840• Mary.deitch@uhsinc.com