The use of case vignettes for Addiction Severity Index training

In an attempt to enhance the reliability of Addiction Severity Index (ASI) interviewer severity ratings (ISRs), we developed a set of eight ASI vignettes, fictionalized narrative case summaries that reproduced the quantitative ASI information in case report format. Each vignette has an ISR answer key, a consensus ISR of two expert ASI trainers for each problem area. Additionally, for four of the vignettes the rationale for the correct ISRs was operationalized. This report is a description of the ASI vignette packet, its use as a supplement to standard ASI training and the results of a pilot study to gauge its effectiveness in improving criterion validity of ISRs. Five ASI videotapes were also developed for the purposes of this investigation. There was limited evidence in this preliminary investigation that the addition of the ASI vignette packet to standard ASI training increased agreement with expert consensus ISRs. The ASI vignettes, relative to videotaped or live observed interviews, do however provide a brief means of assessing the adequacy of ASI interviewer skills with regard to ISRs.