Email UpdatesChinman, Matthew, Ph.D. (MIRECC); Young, Alexander S., M.D., M.S.H.S. (MIRECC); Sandy Forquer (Comprehensive Neuroscience Inc.); Edward Knight (ValueOptions); Anita Miller (ValueOptions); Melissa Rowe (RAND)
The Competency Assessment Instrument measures 15 competencies needed to provide high quality care for those with severe and persistent mental illness (SPMI).
a. Competency Assessment Instrument (CAI): the “Client Preferences” scale
b. Competency Assessment Instrument (CAI): the “Community Resources” scale
c. Competency Assessment Instrument (CAI): the “Evidence-Based Practice” scale
d. Competency Assessment Instrument (CAI): the “Family Education” scale
e. Competency Assessment Instrument (CAI): the “Goals” scale
f. Competency Assessment Instrument (CAI): the “Holistic Approach” scale
g. Competency Assessment Instrument (CAI): the “Intensive Case Management” scale
h. Competency Assessment Instrument (CAI): the “Medication Management” scale
i. Competency Assessment Instrument (CAI): the “Natural Supports” scale
j. Competency Assessment Instrument (CAI): the “Rehabilitation” scale
k. Competency Assessment Instrument (CAI): the “Skill Advocacy” scale
l. Competency Assessment Instrument (CAI): the “Stigma” scale
m. Competency Assessment Instrument (CAI): the “Stress scale
The CAI measures 15 provider competencies that were viewed as central to recovery-oriented care. Each competency is measured with its own scale, which is made of a combination of three to five Likert items. The instrument also collects demographic questions including race/ethnicity, gender, education level, job title, job duties, and number of years in mental health care.
The instrument was evaluated by health care providers who deliver services to SMI clients at several clinics within five publicly financed treatment organizations under a behavioral managed care company. Using the baseline and two-week data from the project, Chinman et al. conducted psychometric analyses on the 15 CAI scales and found most scales are reliable and valid.
- Setting: Behavioral Health Care
- Population: Clinicians
- Level of evaluation. Individual or groups of health care professionals.
National Quality Measures Clearinghouse (NQMC). Available at:
a. Competency Assessment Instrument (CAI): Provider's Mean Score on The "Client Preferences" Scale
b. Competency Assessment Instrument (CAI): Provider's Mean Score on The "Community Resources" Scale
c. Competency Assessment Instrument (CAI): Provider's Mean Score on The "Evidence-Based Practice" Scale
d. Competency Assessment Instrument (CAI): Provider's Mean Score on The "Family Education" Scale
e. Competency Assessment Instrument (CAI): Provider's Mean Score on The "Goals" Scale
f. Competency Assessment Instrument (CAI): Provider's Mean Score on The "Holistic Approach" Scale
h. Competency Assessment Instrument (CAI): Provider's Mean Score on The "Medication Management" Scale
i. Competency Assessment Instrument (CAI): Provider's Mean Score on The "Natural Supports" Scale
j. Competency Assessment Instrument (CAI): Provider's Mean Score on The "Rehabilitation" Scale
k. Competency Assessment Instrument (CAI): Provider's Mean Score on The "Skill Advocacy" Scale
l. Competency Assessment Instrument (CAI): Provider's Mean Score on The "Stigma" Scale
m. Competency Assessment Instrument (CAI): Provider's Mean Score on The "Stress" Scale
For more information on using this instrument, you should refer to the published articles:
Chinman M, Young AS, Rowe M, Forquer S, Knight E, Miller A. An instrument to assess competencies of providers treating severe mental illness. Ment Health Serv Res 2003; Jun;5(2):97-108.
Young AS, Forquer SL, Tran A, Starzynski M, Shatkin J. Identifying clinical competencies that support rehabilitation and empowerment in individuals with severe mental illness. J Behav Serv Res. 2000;27;321-3. PMID 10932445.
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