Learning and Support

Below you will find answers to common questions about the ASI-MV Connect system, including questions about technical support, clinical support, and other issues. If you can’t find the information you're looking for, please see Site Help, or contact us to let us know how we can help you.

About the ASI-MV Connect system

1. What is ASI-MV Connect? What are its components?

   The ASI-MV Connect system is a powerful, web-enabled version of the Addiction Severity Index Multimedia Version (ASI-MV). The system includes: the client self-administered interview; clinical reports; and the ASI-MV Connect Data Center to simplify data gathering and analysis. You also have the option of adding the Comprehensive Health Assessment for Teens (CHAT®), a clinically validated assessment tool for clients ages 13-18.

   You can find out more by visiting the Products page, which has video demos and product sheets. You can also see samples of our clinical reports.

   > TOP OF SECTION

2. What is the ASI-MV Connect Data Center?

   The ASI-MV Connect Data Center is an online resource for substance abuse agencies and treatment centers. It provides easy access to de-identified, aggregate data uploaded from the ASI-MV Connect system through a secure upload process. This enables organizations to easily view assessment, utilization, and outcome data associated with the ASI-MV Connect interview.

   > TOP OF SECTION

3. What is the difference between the ASI-MV Connect and the regular ASI?

   The ASI-MV Connect system is a client self-administered multimedia, web-enabled program that uses audio and video to guide clients through the interview (you can watch a video demo on our Products page). The ASI-MV Connect presents the same interview as developed by Dr. A. Thomas McLellan for the 5th edition of the Addiction Severity Index (ASI); however, questions are adapted for a self-report, multimedia presentation. The ASI-MV Connect questions are presented in a virtual interview that is "conducted" by on-screen interviewers. These interviewers introduce the user to the program, present the questions, and offer further explanations and examples when needed, similar to a live interviewer. Severity Ratings are automatically generated by the ASI-MV Connect interview using a research-tested algorithm developed by Inflexxion. The Composite Scores are also automatically generated by the ASI-MV Connect interview and use the mathematical formula developed by Dr. A. Thomas McLellan.

   > TOP OF SECTION

4. Do you have a Spanish language version available?

   Yes, a Spanish language version is included in the ASI-MV Connect system. Reports for the Spanish version are printed out in English.

   > TOP OF SECTION

5. How much does ASI-MV Connect system cost?

   It depends on your organization's needs. Once you've registered, you may purchase any number of "Uses" (interviews).

   The ASI-MV Connect Interview includes:

   
   

   • Interviews in both English and Spanish
   • Access to the "Quick Look" module of the ASI-MV Connect Data Center
   • Automatic, Web-enabled upgrades
   • The ability to be used on multiple computers

   
   

   Quantity of Uses	Prices per Use*
   50 - 99	$8.00
   100 - 199	$7.20
   200 or more	$6.40

   
   
   

   If you choose to purchase a subscription to the ASI-MV Connect Data Center, it will include:

   
   

   • Full access to the ASI-MV Connect Data Center, including a module for tracking outcomes
   • Free orientation tutorial webinar

   Access	Prices per Site*
   Monthly	$50.00
   Annually	$480.00

   
   
   

   *Prices subject to change.
   Contact us to learn more about pricing for state or large systems.

   > TOP OF SECTION

6. Can I purchase components of the program (ASI-MV Connect, CHAT, Data Center) separately?

   The ASI-MV Connect program and CHAT are available as part of the same download and are not charged as individual components. You can install the CHAT program by itself or along with the ASI-MV Connect program. Limited access to the Data Center is included with your ASI-MV Connect use purchase. Full access to the Data Center is available for an additional fee. For more information, or to make a purchase, please call Inflexxion at 1(800)848-3895, option 4.

   > TOP OF SECTION

7. I'm already registered. How do I add more "Uses"?

   You'll need to call us at 1(800) 848-3895, option 4, or send email to support@inflexxion.com. Any member of the ASI-MV Connect team will be happy to assist you. If you happen to miss us, leave a message with the number of uses you would like to purchase along with your name and your facility’s name. We’ll load them in for you as soon as we get the message.

   > TOP OF SECTION

8. How do I see how many "Uses" I have left in my facility bank?

   Log on to the ASI-MV Connect program and click on Administration, then Manage Uses and then Transfer Uses. Here, you will see the number of uses available in your bank.

   > TOP OF SECTION

9. How do I subscribe to the ASI-MV Connect Data Center?

   Please call us at 1(800)848-3895, option 4.

   > TOP OF SECTION

10. How do clients self-administer the interview? Do they need to be computer literate?

    Clients do not use the computer keyboard. They listen to and see the interview questions presented in both text and audio formats, and answer them by using the mouse to click answer buttons on the screen. They can proceed through the interview at their own pace and it usually takes about 45 minutes. Answer buttons are highlighted as they are read aloud, so clients can distinguish which on-screen button represents their answer. There is also a “Repeat” button, so clients with reading difficulties are usually able to complete the interview on their own or with minimal assistance.

    You can visit the Products page to see a video demonstration.

    > TOP OF SECTION

11. Do our computers need to be connected to the Internet for clients to self administer the interview?

    No -- the program is installed on your computers, so there is no need to be connected to the Internet to run the interview.

    You will need to connect to the Internet to download the program, to pull "Uses" (interviews) you have purchased down to your local computer, and to log in and view data in the ASI-MV Connect Data Center.

    We also recommend that you connect your computer periodically so that you can receive automatic updates and enhancements to the program as they are released.

    > TOP OF SECTION

12. How do you protect private client data?

    The ASI-MV Connect system has been designed to be fully secure and consistent with the HIPAA Privacy Rule (at 45 CFR Parts 160 and 164) and all applicable laws and regulations. All client/patient Protected Health Information (PHI) data is de-identified before it leaves the customer local computer hosting the ASI-MV Connect application.

    > TOP OF SECTION

13. Where is PHI stored before it is de-identified and uploaded?

    All PHI is kept on your local computer. It is stored in a secure SQL database.

    > TOP OF SECTION

14. Can I save this PHI data in my organization's central server?

    Yes. The ASI-MV Connect program has a data export feature that allows data gathered in the Microsoft SQL database to be exported into a comma delimited text file for importation into Microsoft Excel, statistical software programs, and/or practice management software. This text file output exports variable labels for the record set (matched to McLellan’s Addiction Severity Index 5th Edition variables) and each record in the database. Additionally, you can save your clinical reports (Word documents) in any location on your local computer or network drives.

    > TOP OF SECTION

15. Where can I get a previous version of the program?

    Previous versions of the program are no longer available. To download the current version of the ASI-MV Connect program, visit our Downloads page.

    > TOP OF SECTION

Technical Support

1. What kind of computer do I need/what are the minimum system requirements for using ASI-MV Connect?

   Here are the minimum system requirements.You may load the program on any number of desktop or laptop computers at your agency, but each computer must meet these requirements for the program to work.

   > TOP OF SECTION

2. I'm trying to download the program, but it seems to be taking a long time. Am I doing something wrong?

   No -- due to the size of the SQL database as well as the audio/video files, the average download time with a high-speed Internet connection is typically 15 – 20 minutes for downloading the program, and another 15 – 20 minutes for installing it.

   You may have a longer wait, depending on the speed of your computer, and the Internet connection you are using.

   > TOP OF SECTION

3. I forgot my username and password. How do I retrieve them?

   Please give us a call at 1(800) 848-3895, option 4 for instructions on how to retrieve your username and password.

   > TOP OF SECTION

4. I clicked on the ASI-MV Connect product key, and it says it can't open the file. What am I doing wrong?

   Do not open the key file. Simply save it on your desktop. You will be prompted to browse for it later.

   > TOP OF SECTION

5. Is there a limit to the number of computers on which I can install the program?

   No -- you can install the program on as many computers as needed. There are no additional charges.

   > TOP OF SECTION

6. Can I install the program at different locations within my organization?

   The ASI-MV Connect program can be installed at any number of locations within your agency at no additional charge.

   If you're already a customer and would like to install the program at a new location, please call 1(800) 848-3895, option 4 to register the new site.

   > TOP OF SECTION

7. How do I export my graphs and charts from the ASI-MV Connect Data Center?

   Right click on the graph or chart you would like to export and select Copy. Open up a Word document, right click within the document, and select Paste. The chart or graph will now appear.

   > TOP OF SECTION

8. How do I back up my data?

   To back up your data, log into the program and click on the Administration tab. Next, click on the Import/Export tab and then select Backup Data. Select the location where you would like to save the file. Make sure it is not in the Inflexxion directory. You should perform regular backups to ensure your data is saved.

   > TOP OF SECTION

9. Why does the ASI-MV Connect system upload my data?

   Your aggregate, de-identified data is uploaded to ASI-MV Connect for two reasons: 1) to enable you to look at your aggregate data from multiple sites in a number of ways, generate charts and graphs, and print reports, and 2) to enable Inflexxion to build a nationwide database on substance abuse trends and characteristics, including information on the growing problem of prescription drug abuse.

   > TOP OF SECTION

10. Can the ASI-MV Connect interview be stopped once it is started?

    Yes, the system was built so the interview can be stopped at any time, and your data will be saved for 7 days. Since the keyboard is locked you can enable the escape sequence with the following keystrokes: Ctrl, Alt, Shift, F10. When the ASI-MV Connect interview is resumed you can start a new assessment or resume your prior one. After 7 days, any incomplete interviews will be deleted.

    > TOP OF SECTION

11. Can I change a client's identification number after the assessment has been completed?

    To change a client’s identification number after an assessment has been completed, log in to the ASI-MV Connect program and then click Administration, then Client List. Highlight the client you wish to change the ID for and then click Change ID. Once you have changed the ID click Next to save your changes.

    > TOP OF SECTION

Clinical Support

1. 
   

2. How has the ASI-MV been clinically validated? Are there publications on the research behind it?

   Yes. In two research studies funded by the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), the ASI-MV has been shown to have excellent reliability and validity. These research findings appear in:

   Butler, S.F., Budman, S.H., Goldman, R.J., Beckley, K.E., Trottier, D., Newman, F.L. & Cacciola, J.S. (2001). Initial validation of a computer-administered addiction severity index: The ASI-MV. Psychology of Addictive Behaviors, Vol. 15, No. 1, 4-12.

   Butler, S.F., Redondo, J.P., Fernandez, K.C., Villapiano, A.J. (2008, in press). Validation of the Spanish Addiction Severity Index Multimedia Version (S–ASI–MV). Drug and Alcohol Dependence. doi: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2008.06.012.

   You can also see our Publications page for additional published research on our products.

   > TOP OF SECTION

3. What client-specific clinical reports are available?

   The program generates Narrative Reports for clinicians, summarizing clients’ responses within each of the seven problem areas. This includes an itemization of substances used, "psychiatric risk" answers and a chart of Severity Ratings and Composite Scores. The program also generates a Client Placement Worksheet based on ASAM criteria, a Domestic Violence Screening Summary and an Action Plan Summary to assist with treatment planning. Please see our Clinical Documentation page for more information.

   > TOP OF SECTION

4. What is the difference between a Severity Rating and a Composite Score?

   Severity Ratings are the clinical summary scores most commonly used by clinicians. They are useful for identifying problem areas that may need to be addressed in the treatment plan. Severity Ratings normally are NOT used for research or outcome evaluation because they factor in client responses to "lifetime" questions, which will not change in subsequent administrations (e.g. “How many times in your life have you been in jail or prison?”). Composite Scores are generated from a number of answered questions in each domain that refer to client behavior over the last 30 days (not "lifetime"). Therefore, Composite Scores are useful for identifying change in problem status and can be used in research and outcome evaluation

   > TOP OF SECTION

5. How do I use the Composite Scores to measure treatment outcomes?

   The Composite Scores take into account only the questions sensitive to change in the previous 30 days. When clients are re-administered the ASI-MV Connect interview, those Composite Scores can be compared to the previous scores to measure progress.

   > TOP OF SECTION

6. Can I change the Severity Ratings or Composite Scores if I disagree with them?

   No, you cannot change them within the program. However you can add further information including your clinical impressions in the Narrative Report after each domain and in the Summary.

   > TOP OF SECTION

7. Can I add information to the Narrative Report and save it elsewhere?

   Yes. The Narrative Report is a Microsoft Word document where staff may add information including their clinical impressions after each domain. These reports may be saved to the computer’s hard drive, or to another network drive. Once generated, the reports may be moved and opened on another computer that supports Microsoft Word.

   > TOP OF SECTION

8. How do I know clients are answers truthfully; can't they fool the program?

   Clients can fool the program but they can also fool staff. The ASI-MV has a built-in consistency check of 27 pairs of questions, which, if not answered the same way, suggest a client may be misunderstanding or deceiving the program. If not corrected when the client is prompted to do so, these inconsistencies are listed at the end of the Narrative Report for clinician follow-up.

   > TOP OF SECTION

For Additional Help You Can Also Call
Customer Support at Inflexxion:
800-848-3895 ext. 4