What substances do these tools screen for?

TAPS-1 screens for tobacco, alcohol, illicit drugs, and non-medical use of prescription drugs. A positive TAPS-1 screening should be followed by the administration of TAPS-2, a substance-specific assessment.

Are these tools appropriate to use with people with HIV?  

Yes, the TAPS-1 and TAPS-2 have been administered to people with HIV and validated within this population.  

Who administers and scores the tools? 

• It is recommended that the TAPS-1 and TAPS-2 (when indicated) be self-administered by clients either electronically or on paper.
• If screening verbally, a staff person or health care provider who has been trained to administer the TAPS-1 and TAPS-2 in a consistent manner, reading questions as written, and not providing any additional information until after completion.
• Any staff person or health care providers can be trained to score the TAPS-1 and TAPS-2.

Have these tools been validated?

Yes, the TAPS-1 and TAPS-2 tools have been evaluated for sensitivity and specificity. Sensitivity is found to range between 62% to 93% and specificity between 79% and 93% depending on substance.

Please see reference list: 26