Frequently Asked Questions > Forensic Psychiatry Institute

The Aggressive Incidents Scale (AIS) and Electronic Hamilton Anatomy of Risk Management (eHARM) Companion Guide is available for purchase and is ideal for potential users who are interested in learning more about both the AIS and the various versions of the HARM. This guide contains an overview of risk assessment, the development of the AIS and HARM, as well as a detailed overview of each individual tool, their targeted populations, unique components and information about implementation. The companion guide is available on Kobo.

HARM Workbooks are also available for purchase in four different versions (general, correctional, forensic, and youth versions) for those who would like to learn more about one specific version of the HARM. Workbooks similarly contain a breakdown of the variables included in this version of the HARM, a case example and information regarding implementation.

To purchase one or more workbooks, or if you have additional questions regarding the AIS or the HARM, please email us.

Who can use the AIS and HARM?

The AIS and eHARM are assessment instruments that require proper administration, scoring and interpretation. Administration and use of these tools for clinical purposes is limited to individuals with training and experience in the area of mental health or risk assessment. St. Joseph’s Healthcare Hamilton is delighted to support any interest in adopting the AIS, HARM or both by offering easily accessible training.

The AIS and HARM products are carefully developed assessment instruments that require proper administration, scoring and interpretation.

Eligibility to administer and use these measures for clinical purposes is limited to individuals with training and experience in any of the following areas: mental health, forensic, corrections and risk assessment. All users must be affiliated with an organization that providing services in any of the areas indicated or must be a regulated health professional whose professional training includes assessment.

Individuals who do not have professional training can administer and score the instrument if there is appropriate supervision.

What types of training do you offer?

We offer accessible AIS and HARM certification and training to institutions interested in adopting our tools. The terms of training are negotiable. As well, different levels of training can be provided depending on your specific interest and your institution’s background.

Training is typically completed over two half-day workshops. The first (offered before HARM implementation) provides the background and of the tool and its components. Attendees have an opportunity to learn how to use the tool with practice cases. The second half day is offered post HARM implementation to address questions or issues that may arise during implementation.

Training may be offered in-person or through Ontario Telemedicine Network. Please email us for availability and pricing.

How often should a HARM report be completed?

The HARM can be completed as frequently as clinically indicated. Those identified as high risk would warrant more frequent reviews, while those identified as low risk should be reviewed less frequently (a minimum of once per month is recommended).

Where should HARM reports be stored?

Given that the HARM documents include personal patient information, it is important to consider all federal and provincial or territorial legislative requirements to safeguard patient records (e.g., Ontario’s Personal Health Information Protection Act), when making decisions about storage. The HARM documents SHOULD NOT be stored on a public computer and authorization to change or access the documents should be restricted to specific staff members.

Can I save an incomplete eHARM report and come back to it later?

No, once you have opened a HARM file and have started to enter information, you must complete the form and submit it. You should never use the start button to “Save” or ”Save As.”

Am I able to delete one specific report within a Patient’s eHARM file if I’ve made a mistake?

No, you are not able to delete one report without deleting the entire file. If an error is noted, you can overwrite the incorrect report by submitting a new HARM report with the same date. For example, if the incorrect report was entered on May 10, 2020, select “Enter New HARM Report,” change the date of the report to May 10, 2020 and enter the correct information. Once you submit this report, the previous one submitted on this date will be overwritten.

Where can I find more information?

We welcome any questions, feedback, and research questions about the AIS and HARM. For further information about training, access and implementation, please email us.

Users of the AIS and HARM tools agree to indemnify and hold the developers of the tool and St. Joseph’s Healthcare Hamilton and its officers, directors, employees, independent contractors, suppliers and affiliated parties harmless against all claims, liabilities, demands, damages, judgments, settlements, or expenses of whatever nature (including reasonable attorneys’ fees and expenses) arising out of or in connection with the use or misuse of tests or test materials, scoring or other services connected to the administration of the AIS and HARM tools.