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As the BCAT® assesses cognitive domains, it can be applied to persons with ID and DS. However, one should be cautious in making definitive statements about cognitive in these circumstances. 

The BCAT® has been validated in English, and some other languages.  Therefore, it can be used with the assistance of a bilingual speaker or by using a translated version (again, with the assistance of a bilingual speaker), but one should be cautious about interpretations.

The tool may be administered with an interpreter.  We recommend using translated versions of the BCAT®.

Before scoring, the administrator should feel confident that patient responses are accurately recorded.  The tool may be administered with an interpreter and we recommend using translated versions of the BCAT®.

The BCAT® was originally validated on samples of adults age 60 and older, and not on a TBI sample per se.  However, as the tools (BCAT® and other tests in the BCAT® Test System) assess cognitive and mood deficits, especially attentional capacity, memory, and executive functions, it can be very helpful for measuring these domains in TBI patients.  We recommend emphasizing the Memory Factor (CMF) and the Executive Factor (ECFF) scores for making interpretations about cognitive functioning.

First confirm that the patient has hearing deficits.  Attempt to administer the tool in a quiet and/or private space.  If the person cannot appropriately hear either due to hearing loss or outside noises, do not administer the tool at that time.

A provider can choose to administer the BCAT®-Short Form (BCAT®-SF) since there are no visual or grapho-motor items.  If the provider chooses to administer the entire BCAT®, focus on the Memory Factor score and the Executive Factor scores, or use the modification crosswalk tables.  If you don't have these tables, please contact the BCAT® team.

Generally, this depends on the information you are seeking and how the information will be used.  For clinicians, administering the full BCAT® is recommended unless one wants to use the BCAT®-SF to identify who should be administered the full BCAT®.  For non-clinicians who may be using the tools for residential placement or for a rapid cognitive baseline, the short version may be appropriate.  Specific reasons for using the BCAT®-SF are:

This varies depending on a number of factors, especially experience with administering tests or evaluation tools.  Generally, trained administrators report feeling proficient after administering at least 10 BCAT® Tests.  You should notice that the completion time drops quickly as proficiency increases.

Give one point if the patient makes two 5-sided figures. Give a second point if the figures intersect such that the “common” space is smaller than the other design spaces.

The provider should use his/her judgment as to whether or not the patient attempted to correctly form the numbers.

A provider can review the items answered to get an idea of how the patient may have done.  However, conclusions about cognitive functioning will be limited if a patient does not complete the test.

If the patient skips two or more correct pairings, the patient would not receive any adjustments in the scoring.  Her maximum score would be determined by when she made her first error (See first example below). However, if she skips just one correct pairing and completes the pairings, her maximum score will be 10-1 = 9 (See second example below).  This converts to an item score of 2. (*Please note that the pairings are the only part to score.  For example, the patient may start with letters first, but then switch to numbers first.  That is okay as long as the pair is correct.)

Example (2 errors):  1-A, 2-B, 3-C, 4-E, 5-F, 6-H, 7-I—This patient would score “0” since there were only 3 correct pairs in the sequential order.

Example (1 error):  1-A, 2-B, 3-C, 4-D, 5-E, 6-F, 7-H, 8-I, 9-J, 10-K—This patient made one mistake, but kept the pattern through the remainder of the pairs.

Therefore, the provider will take the 10-K as the last correct answer, but will subtract one from the total number of correct pairs (9).  The score for the BCAT would be “2” in that particular item.

Testing can be repeated as often as clinically necessary, but should be done at least 72 hours apart.  We also recommend using Alternate versions of the BCAT® that are available on the website.

There are several scenarios where repeating testing is indicated.  If you believe that medical or mood issues have influenced test scores, then repeating testing once those issues are resolved is often helpful.  Repeating testing after a course of treatment (e.g., Brain Rehabilitation, Working Memory Exercises, speech therapy, occupational therapy) to determine cognitive improvement may be important.  To track progression of cognitive changes, the BCAT® (and other BCAT® tests) may be repeated.  This could be quarterly, semi-annually, or annually.

To score the test items, the patient should complete the tests in one session.  If the patient or provider must stop in the middle of any one test, the provider should start it again during another session.

If the patient doesn’t know the answers, but is struggling to try to find the correct answer, the provider could interrupt the “thought process” and say, “I have another item for you” and move on to the next item.  The provider should use their judgment too in knowing when to stop a particular item.  Example:  Letter list—if the patient misses one of the “C’s”, then stop the list and move on to the next item.  Set Shifting—If the patient makes two mistakes stop the patient and move on.

In some respects this is an “apples to oranges” comparison.  More direct comparisons can be made between the BCAT and the Global Deterioration Scale (GDS).  We provide a cross-walk table for such comparisons.  The BCAT® is a broader test than the GDS.  As for comparing the BCAT® directly to the Allen, the BCAT® directly assesses cognitive domains through the administration of cognitive items; whereas the Allen focuses on task performance of items from which inferences to cognition are made.

Educating and managing expectations of family members is an important part of the treatment process.  Explaining to them what the BCAT® is and carefully going over results provides an opportunity to bring family members on board.  While the BCAT® is a very accurate tool, one should be careful about making diagnoses on the basis of BCAT® results alone.  It is recommended that cognitive diagnoses be made based on multiple sources of information.

For the privacy of all patients and providers, the BCAT® website does not maintain any information that was entered.  Once the provider navigates away from the page, the information will be deleted.

Providers can print a copy of the Digital Working Memory outcomes after each round of each interactive module. Again, for the privacy of patients and providers, no data is maintained on the website.

For test administration, many providers administer the BCAT® Test System as a paper and pencil measure and then return to a computer at a later time to enter the scores and retrieve the test report.  It typically takes just a few seconds to enter the scores online and print the reports.

Technical questions should be emailed to info@thebcat.com.  A member of the BCAT® Team will reply within 24 business hours.

All licensed users are automatically placed on our email list.  (This list is not shared with anyone outside of the BCAT® Staff.)  All updates scientifically, technically, etc. are announced on an email usually sent on Wednesday mornings.

Providers can repeat the testing as long as it is at least 72 hours after the previous one was completed, or an alternate version can be administered.

The BCAT® can be uploaded to an electronic health record.  It can also be printed and brought to care plan meetings, utilization review (“Medicare”) meetings, or discussed at a morning meeting.  We recommend an interdisciplinary team meeting as a vehicle for translating BCAT® scores to Cognitive Enhancement Program (CEP) treatment interventions.

Providers can email, fax, or allow the patient to hand-carry test reports to their physician.

Because the BCAT® Approach is based on empirical data, the BCAT® team requires all providers to be appropriately trained to ensure clients are having the materials (BCAT® Tests or Digital Working Memory Exercises) administered, scored, and interpreted appropriately.

Many providers use the BCAT® Tests as part of their initial and/or continued assessment of patients throughout a treatment period.  Providers should consult their compliance staff for details.