The Computer-based AM-PAC draws from a comprehensive test item bank that consists of 249 items. Test items cover a range of function in three domains: basic mobility, daily activities, and applied cognitive. Items are scaled along a continuum of item difficulty (mean = 50 + 10). AM-PAC computer-based formats use computer adaptive testing (CAT) to select specific test items from the item bank. The computer program uses a patient's prior responses to select additional items that match the individual patient's functional ability. In this manner, a precise estimate of a patient's function is obtained with a few well-selected test items.
* Reduces test burden while increasing test precision because test items are selected to match the patient's functional ability level.
* Patients are not required to respond to irrelevant test items.
* Easy to integrate assessment into clinical work flow.
* Promotes efficient and reliable data entry, analysis and management. AM-PAC data, along with patient data (age, gender, diagnosis, time since onset, surgical status, severity and insuranc), are entered and stored in a database on the local computer or on a server.
* Only takes 2 minutes to complete each domain.
* Can include patient satisfaction questions.
* Staging charts show the expected performance based on AM-PAC scores
Step-by-step instructions guide users through the assessment process. A screen with background information questions is completed. Then individual functional test items (see example on the left) are displayed on the screen with a of response choices listed below. The respondent uses a mouse, keystroke or stylus to select the correct answer and continues to the next question.
Admission CAT data are stored. When the patient logs on to the system again, the program recognizes the patient. Only questions about background information that may have changed, for example walking status, are asked and followup or discharge data are stored.
CREcare provides free training for staff to learn how to use the AM-PAC CAT
» Users download the AM-PAC computer program onto a PC
» AM-PAC individual patient reports can be printed.
» AM-PAC data are stored locally on the hard drive.
» AM-PAC data can be viewed as an aggregate report.
» AM-PAC data are stored in an Access database.
» CREcare provides detailed training materials for staff.
The PC version of the AM-PAC CAT provides an individual patient report that can be printed. Individual patient reports display scaled scores for each domain tested and compares admission and followup or discharge scores.
The PC version of the AM-PAC CAT provides an aggregate report of all the AM-PAC assessment that were completed on the PC. The report provides a summary of the following areas: general information, severity, body part/impairment group, payment sources, condition and AM-PAC average score for each of the three domains. The user chooses a time period for generating the aggregate report. The PC aggregate report contains only data entered into personal computer. No additional data are included in the analysis.
The web-based version of the AM-PAC CAT has all of the advantages of the CAT approach in addition to the benefits listed below:
» Simultaneous AM-PAC CATaccess from multiple sites or computer users.
» Data from multiple sites or computers are stored in a single location.
» Benchmarking to a national data base
» AM-PAC data can be integrated with clinical and/or financial data for case mix adjusting
» Easy to manage data for analysis and produce cusomized aggregate reports.
For Additional information visit PAC-METRIX. COM