Fowler Technical Effectiveness Scale
Fowler, D.E., McGee, R.K. (1973) Assessing the performance of telephone crisis workers: The development of a Technical Effectiveness Scale. In D. Lester & G.W. Brockopp (Eds.). Crisis Intervention and Counseling by Telephone. Springfield: Charles C. Thomas, 1973.
| Question | Criteria |
| 1. Can the caller be immediately reconnected? | In order to answer this question affirmative the call must contain enough information to enable the centre to call or contact the Centre or to immediately go to the caller. |
| 2. Did the volunteer ask or obtain specific information regarding significant others? | A specific question dealing with the possibility of roommates, parents, neighbours, friends or relatives must occur in order to answer this question “yes.” A general inquiry such as “Do you have someone to talk to?” will not qualify. |
| 3. Were specific problems identified? | A problem identified to which the centre can respond, even if it’s not the focal problem, will qualify for a “yes” answer |
| 4. Did the volunteer communicate that s/he is willing to help? | This question may be answered on the basis of both affect and/or content |
| 5. Did the volunteer develop a structured plan of action or help the caller to develop one? | A structured plan of action must lead to some action or event that will involve the caller in an observable behaviour |
| 6. Did the caller agree to an action plan? | A definite commitment must be obtained from the caller for this question to be answered “yes” |
| 7. Was it determined whether or not this was a suicide call? | Specific inquiry from the worker mentioning “suicide” or “kill self” or spontaneous statement from the caller may be scored. |
| 8. a) Did the volunteer ask about a suicide plan? Or b) if the caller voluntarily disclosed the information did the volunteer inquire about further details | Answer either a) or b) but not both |
| 9. Was it determined if the caller has made prior suicide attempts? | Specific inquiry must be made by the worker or a spontaneous statement if the caller may be scored. |
Cite this article as: MacDonald, D.K., (2015), "Fowler Technical Effectiveness Scale," retrieved on September 14, 2024 from https://dustinkmacdonald.com/fowler-technical-effectiveness-scale/.
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