How many versions of SCAN have been published?
Are earlier versions supported by computer programs?
Can I compare SCAN 2.1 data with older PSE-9 data?
I have SCAN 2.0 data. Can I process them?
In which languages has the SCAN be translated?
I want to use SCAN for clinical purposes. Is there a shorter version that is easier to use on a regular basis?
1. How many versions of SCAN have been published?
There are three official releases of SCAN: version 1.0 (1992), 2.0 (1994) and 2.1 (1999). The finalization of 2.1 took a long time. Because some users did not want to wait for the finalization of 2.1, they may have been given intermediary versions of 2.1. The pencil and paper version of SCAN 2.1 is published by local training centres and is issued during training courses. This is the version that matches the software (Ishell for SCAN). For current research the Advisory Committee recommends that 2.1 be used.
2. Are earlier versions supported by computer programs?
For SCAN 1.0 the LAPSE program is available. It produces mainly ICD-10 output and diagnostic profiles. DSM-III-R output is less reliable. For SCAN 2.0 there is no computer program. The Ishell for Windows program was written for SCAN 2.1.
3. Can I compare SCAN 2.1 data with older PSE-9 data?
Since all the PSE-9 items are contained in SCAN 2.1, a comparison could me made . There is a conversion table from one to the other (available from your training center). This is a time consuming procedure and may induce errors. Those whose main objective is to compare current data with PSE-9 data (e.g. for time trends) are advised to use PSE-9 and the Catego4 program again.
4. I have SCAN 2.0 data. Can I process them?
The AC will provide a crosswalk table from 2.0 to 2.1. This means that 2.0 data has to be converted to 2.1 first and can then be entered into the Ishell program.
5. How often is the software updated?
The first release was December 1999. It was made available to trainees. Since then several upgrades have been released. The main changes regarded the algorithms. In the last release (1.0.4.6, 2005) database management was added. It is now possible to delete and rename cases.
6. How can I get the program?
It is downloadable from this site. The software requires a password during installation. Those who have done a SCAN course can contact their SCAN TRC for the password. The software is free of charge.
7. In which languages has the SCAN be translated?
Currently the SCAN is available in English, German, French, Spanish, Dutch, Danish, Italian, Hindi, Kannada, Arabic, Chinese, Swedish, Turkish, and Russian. More translations are under way.
8. I want to use SCAN for clinical purposes. Is there a shorter version that is easier to use on a regular basis?
Yes, there is a mini-SCAN. It is available in three languages: English, Danish, Dutch. This version is not supposed to be used for research purposes. It is designed to be used as a pocket-sized booklet in clinical practice. There is no official English publication yet (there are in Danish and Dutch), so contact your training center for more information.
Currently a computerized version is developed in Dutch. For Dutch users the following site is of interest: www. miniscan.nl.