Automated Behavioral Health Triage

The ultimate STTR goal is to develop an automated behavioral health triage assessment system that: (a) contains tests sensitive to specific cognitive dysfunctions; (b) organizes test data into a logic-tree indicating where further testing is needed; (c) provides concurrent and transparent analysis of individual test results; (d) provides a tailored battery of relevant additional test modules when further testing is indicated; (e) interfaces with existing military cognitive testing systems. There does not yet exist a comprehensive assessment system suitable for military triage. In Phase I, we propose to: (1) survey the cognitive science and human factors literatures, to identify key areas of cognitive function underlying cognitive and behavioral performance; (2) survey the cognitive testing literature, to map each test against these key areas of function and performance; (3) based on these reviews, determine the feasibility of obtaining test data in each domain, adequate for triage; (4) devise a prototype set of screening tests that addresses the key domains outlined above; (5) develop a prototype logic tree that uses screening test data for "test further/do not test further" decisions; (6) identify instruments for use when further testing is indicated. The prototypes will be validated in Phase II.