SBIR Phase II: A Computerized Test Battery to Evaluate Workplace Stresses

RSK评估公司的这个小型企业创新研究第二阶段项目将在第一阶段实施的测试电池的基础上进行扩展和改进，包括交叉验证、对其他行为评分方法(信号检测理论、贝叶斯方法)、其他代理(即睡眠损失)的检查，以及这些方法在特殊用途硬件和新软件上的相互作用。第一阶段研究了进行基于工作表现的适宜性(FFD)测试作为基于化学测试的替代方法的可行性。该检测方法简便，成本低廉，检测结果稳定可靠。使用不同测试通过比例的多重截断分析，他们产生了98+%的特异度(最小的假阳性)，高剂量酒精的敏感度为80%(低剂量的敏感度为60%)。新电池加强了安全性，在独立的售货亭内运行，并通过智能卡使用提供数据加密和访问。将在测试系统内实施改进的管理控制，包括测试控制和调度、数据分析方法和报告。其他量化行为减少的方法将从睡眠剥夺研究、对过去酒精研究的分析以及一个“阿尔法”测试站点获得。来自这些来源的数据将产生更好的评估模型，并改进测试长度、特异性和灵敏度之间的权衡计算。RSK评估提供了一种测试人类表现的工具，可以促进工业工厂更高的生产率，一种在现场测试员工的手段，并减少工人的工伤。

This Small Business Innovation Research Phase II project from RSK Assessments, Inc. will expand and improve upon the test battery implemented for Phase I, including cross validation, examination of other behavioral scoring approaches (signal detection theory, Bayesian methods), other agents (viz., sleep loss) as well as the interplay of these methods on special purpose hardware and new software. Phase I examined the feasibility of conducting human performance-based fitness-for-duty (FFD) testing as an alternative to chemically-based testing. The testing method was brief and inexpensive, and the tests were stable and reliable. Using a multiple cut-off analysis varying proportion of tests passed, they yielded 98+% specificity (minimal false positives) with 80% sensitivity for high dosages of alcohol (and 60% for low). The new battery tightens security, running within self-contained kiosks and providing data encryption and access via smart card usage. Improved managerial control will be implemented within the test system, including test control and scheduling, data analysis methods, and reporting. Additional means of quantifying behavioral decrements will be obtained from sleep deprivation research, analyses of past alcohol research, and an "alpha" test site. Data from these sources will yield a better assessment model and refine calculations for tradeoff between test length, specificity, and sensitivity.RSK Assessments proffers a tool for testing human performance that could facilitate higher productivity in industrial plants, a means of testing employees while in the field, and reduction in worker on-the-job injuries.