NG-QSI Update

By Ed DeBardeleben

APD is enhancing the Questionnaire for Situational Information (QSI); it will be called the Next Generation QSI (NG-QSI). During the next couple of months, APD will be conducting Field Tests on the new protocol. The NG-QSI will serve five purposes: identify support needs; assess and promote social integration; provide an alert component for WSCs and APD staff to help the individual avoid unnecessary hardship, illness, or harm that may be anticipated or experienced; help with allocating resources to meet support needs; and assist with statewide trend analysis and planning.

The NG-QSI has been automated and has seven sections (called Domains) that focus on:


Not every question in the assessment tool will be asked. Other than the fact-finding questions, only specific questions related to a person’s living situation, health, daily living skills, and behavior concerns will be asked.

A total of 1,088 assessments will be conducted. The sampling criteria for selecting individuals to participate in the Field Test was based upon a scientific random sampling methodology. Everyone contacted by a QSI assessor is encouraged to participate in this very important study. Because this is a study, the results will not have any impact on individuals’ budget allocation, nor will a synopsis report be provided. However, summary reports as well as stakeholder meetings will be made available at the conclusion of a reliability/validity study conducted by FSU. Possible tool revisions are expected for continuous improvement. To further validate the reliability of the NG-QSI, a replication study is planned for 2019/2020 to confirm it meets its five purposes. APD’s goal is to begin using the NG-QSI for everyone in 2021.