Mental Health Scales - Key Features (iPad)
We strongly recommend use of a non-simple passcode for your device, supplemented by the in-app security features discussed below.
The application can be used in either portrait or landscape orientation, and will automatically adjust itself if the orientation changes during operation.
A search bar can be exposed by swiping downward from the top of the list. Typing characters into the search bar filters the list of subjects so that only subjects containing the sequence typed will show.
Details for test subjects are entered by tapping on the Information button.
Test subjects are given an alternate identifier, which can be specified automatically by the app or by the user, for example, a medical chart number. The alternate ID is used to identify the subject when emailing or printing test results. The test subject's name never appears in the documents.
The user chooses a rating scale or other test by tapping on its name. The number of previous test results for each scale or test is indicated on the right. Tapping on this number brings up the history screen for the test.
The list of rating scales in landscape orientation.
Test histories are stored on the device for each test subject, allowing the practitioner to easily review the subject's progress.
Test histories in landscape orientation.
Test sessions begin with an instructions screen. The user can either tap on the controls at the bottom of the screen to move through the scale questions, or swipe from right to left on the screen to go forward, or left to right to go backward. Two finger swipes will cause a jump to the first or last screen of the scale.
Tap on the answer that best answers the question. You can move back and forth through the scale questions at any time, for review, or to correct an answer.
A summary is produced for each test, including a numerical score and its interpretation according to the authors of the rating scale. This provides an aid to diagnosis, but should not be taken as a diagnosis in itself.
The test subject is identified in the summary email by their alternate ID only. A default email address can be specified in Settings, enabling a quick one tap send.
The alternate ID is also used when the summary is printed. Printing can be done on any AirPrint enabled printer on the same Local Area Network as the iPad.
Anyone attempting to access the application with security turned on will only see the security screen. Access can be achieved by entering the password, or if that is lost, answering the security question.
Touch ID can be used as an alternative to the password on Touch ID equipped devices (iPad Mini 3 and iPad Air 2 and later). Mental Health Scales is not yet capable of using Face ID for this purpose on Face ID equipped iPad Pro models.
In Client Mode, tapping on the Subjects/Scales/Results button causes the navigation popover to appear covered by a security panel, and the settings button is disabled. This restricts the client (test subject) to navigation through the questions of the current rating scale only.
Client Mode can be turned on at any time by double tapping on the screen with two fingers. This makes it convenient to quickly turn on security to allow a subject to resume an interrupted test.
In landscape orientation the Subjects/Scales/Results column is always covered by a security panel. The panel slides away when the password in entered, or on Touch ID equipped devices when the in app access to Touch ID is enabled in the Settings. Mental Health Scales is not yet capable of using Face ID for the same purpose on Face Id equipped iPad Pro models.
Data security is a prime consideration. Data in the app is secured by Apple's hardware-level encryption on passcode-protected devices. An in-app password, which is backed up by a security question selected from a choice of three provides two additional security modes. Version 2.2 added the ability to use Touch ID as an alternate to the password on Touch ID equipped devices (iPad Mini 3, iPad Air 2 and later). Mental Health Scales is not yet capable of using Face ID for the same purpose on Face ID equipped iPad Pros.
Secure Mode prevents unauthorized launch of the app. Client mode allows the test subject to use the device for a self reporting scale without being able to access the data of others.
The BMI calculator allows the practitioner to monitor the effects of medications on the client's weight. The waist circumference is also recorded. The BMI is color coded to indicate if it is in a normal or abnormal range.
Mental Health Scales includes an extensive in-app Help screen that is navigable by tapping on HTML links.
The Clock Test is started the same way as a scale - by tapping its name in the test list. The test starts with a detailed set of instructions for the clinician.
Drawing the clock face is accomplished using either a single finger or a stylus. Every stroke or mark is recorded. The test can be done in either portrait or landscape orientation. The orientation can be changed at any time and the drawing will remain intact. If Client Mode is not turned on it can be by double tapping with two fingers on the screen.
A two finger upward swipe will bring up the scoring table, normally done when drawing is completed. The table includes a scoring level and error criteria, and examples of errors for each level. The score is recorded by tapping on the appropriate row, causing a checkmark to appear next to the chosen score. If Client Mode is turned on the table is covered by the security screen. When the password is entered or Touch ID or Face ID is used on suitably equipped devices the security screen slides away to reveal the table.
The test result can be emailed or printed as a PDF by tapping on Export icon at the bottom left of the scoring table and selecting Email PDF or Print PDF. As for the scales, the subject is identified only by the alternate identifier to increase privacy. The test subject's name never appears in the document.
The accent color of the app can be customized away from the default burgundy color. Tapping on Apply will change the accent color of the user interface to the color indicated.
