The RAATE instruments consist of two distinct but interrelated assessment tools, the RAATE-CE and RAATE-QI, which are intended to tap five key dimensions considered important for treatment placement and planning: resistance to treatment, resistance to continuing care, acuity of biomedical problems, acuity of psychiatric/psychological problems, and social/family environmental status. The five RAATE dimensions are compatible with but not identical to ASAM Patient Placement Criteria. The instruments are easy to score and can be applied to placement decisions based on the ASAM or other criteria (easy-to-use ASAM conversion tables are incorporated into each instrument). The RAATE instruments do not contribute to a diagnosis and should be used only after a diagnosis of abuse or dependence has been established.

The RAATE-CE is a clinical rating tool using a semi-structured interview conducted by a skilled professional. When used by professionals, knowledgeable in the assessment of substance use disorders, the RAATE-CE has good inter-rater reliability. Therefore, it is a good choice for repeated assessments to demonstrate progress, and is brief enough to be administered at admission, during treatment, at discharge, and at follow-up.

The RAATE-QI is a 94-item true-false questionnaire completed by the client and designed for use at intake and before discharge. It can also be readministered during treatment to assess progress. In addition to the five general dimensions, the computer-administered version of the RAATE-QI has shorter factorial and internally consistent subscales. It has good test/retest reliability.

APPLICATIONS: The RAATE instruments provide objective documentation by:

·         Determining appropriate treatment placement at intake by matching severity of illness with levels of care,

·         Strengthening individualized treatment plans by assessing the level of social/environmental support,

·         Measuring treatment progress for utilization review by assessing denial and treatment motivation,

·         Assessing the need for continuing care during the course of treatment, including transfer to other levels of care,

·         Determining discharge readiness, and

·         Developing continuing recovery plans.

TIME REQUIREMENTS: The RAATE-CE typically takes 20 to 30 minutes to administer unless its inherent key elements are interview. In such a case, the RAATE-CE may add very little time to the assessment process. It does not require clinician time except for the interpretation. The RAATE-QI typically takes 25 to 35 minutes to complete and can be administered under minimal supervision.

SCORING AND INTERPRETATION: The RAATE-CE can be scored in fewer than five minutes, and the RAATE-QI can be scored with the templates in fewer than ten minutes. Both instruments should be interpreted by an experienced clinician, as they involve some subjective judgment. Guidelines are provided in the guide or manual, and statistical guides for the range of scores are provided on the instruments.

COPYRIGHT: The RAATE instruments are copyrighted by Norman G. Hoffmann. Photocopying or adaptation is a violation of copyright and constitutes unethical conduct.

© 2005 Evince Clinical Assessments