The Rapid Alcohol Problems Screen (RAPS) is a five-item instrument designed by Senior Scientist, Cheryl Cherpitel, to maximize sensitivity while maintaining strong specificity. Derived from other screens, and with no weighting, adding or scoring of responses, the RAPS provides a quick way for clinicians to determine who may have a drinking problem.
This infographic provides some background information on its development, testing and the research involved. The test itself is available as part of the downloadable infographic (PDF) or printable form (PDF) with instructions for how to administer the instrument with your clientele.
If you have questions about this tool’s development or how to use it in your practice, please contact us for more information.
A full description of the development and application of the RAPS/RAPS4/RAPS4-QF can also be found in:
Cherpitel, C.J, The Rapid Alcohol Problems Screen (RAPS): Methods and Application, Comprehensive Handbook of Alcohol Related Pathology, Vol. 3, Selective Methods Used in Alcohol Research, Eds. V.R. Preedy and R.R. Watson, Academic Press (Elsevier Science): London, UK, Chapter 105:1415-1427, 2005.
References:
Cherpitel, C.J., Screening for alcohol problems in the U.S. general population: comparison of the CAGE, RAPS4, and RAPS4-QF by gender, ethnicity, and service utilization. Rapid Alcohol Problems Screen. Alcoholism: Clinical and Experimental Research, 26:1686-1691, 2002. Full Text or Abstract.
Cherpitel, C. J. (2000). A brief screening instrument for problem drinking in the emergency room: the RAPS4. Journal of Studies on Alcohol 61(3): 447-449. Full text or Abstract.
