1. What exactly is CogState WorkPlace?
CogState WorkPlace is a quick, computerized and non-invasive performance testing system that works by comparing an individual to their own previously established baseline in order to identify the existence of any impairment for work. This allows employers to make objective decisions regarding an employee's fitness for duty.
2. How is CogState WorkPlace different to drug and alcohol testing when it comes to assessing an employee's fitness for duty?
CogState Workplace identifies an individual's function compared to a previously established baseline to identify impairment. This allows CogState WorkPlace to identify impairment caused by a wide variety of factors such as drugs (both legal and illicit), alcohol, fatigue and various medical conditions (such as sleep apnea and concussion). Drug and alcohol testing identifies the presence of specific substances in urine, blood or saliva. Additionally, some drugs, such as marijuana are detectible in the system for several weeks after the impairment they caused has worn off, meaning that unimpaired employees can test positive. Because CogState WorkPlace detects actual impairment and not the cause of that impairment, it is successful in avoiding this scenario.
3. Can CogState WorkPlace replace drug and alcohol testing?
CogState Workplace can be used in isolation or as a less invasive first step to identify impairment which is followed up by drug testing where deemed appropriate. There is ongoing resistance to the invasive methods required for accurate drug testing of individuals. Unions and organizations such as WorkCover NSW are advocating for less invasive measures to identify workplace impairment. CogState WorkPlace is a less invasive approach in the assessment of fitness for duty for work and can be an integral step in any OH&S system.
4. Who can be tested with CogState WorkPlace?
Anyone that is able to look at a computer screen and use a keyboard can be tested. CogState tests have been used by a variety of people from all over the world because our tests contain visual, culture-neutral stimuli. In global clinical trials run by major pharmaceutical companies, we have tested children, elderly citizens, patients suffering from serious illnesses, and people from non-English speaking backgrounds with tremendous success. Practice trials of the assessment are allowed to assist individuals with familiarizing themselves with the test. The design of the test eliminates the impact of practice effects on results, meaning that employees can be tested frequently, if desired.
5. Is it easy to administer?
Yes. CogState WorkPlace has been designed for non-expert administration. It has been administered for years by people who have no background in using this type of test.
6. What equipment will I need?
All you need is a standard computer, a standard keyboard, a standard mouse and an internet connection. This means that it is not necessary to purchase any specialized equipment to run the testing. This results in lower costs for you.
7. Is it invasive?
Compared to drug and alcohol testing that requires employees to give blood, hair and urine samples, CogState WorkPlace is significantly less invasive. Also, because CogState WorkPlace tests impairment directly, and not the cause(s) of this impairment, it protects employee privacy.
8. Who will be able to see the results of the testing?
A username and password is required to log on to DataPoint® - a secure, online portal where test results are stored. Only those who have been given the username and password are able to access the results.
9. How scientifically valid is the technology?
Each test featured in CogState WorkPlace has been extensively validated in peer reviewed scientific articles. CogState has also been used extensively by global pharmaceutical companies in heavily-regulated clinical trials which require FDA approval - which further demonstrates the effectiveness of the science behind CogState WorkPlace.
10. Who else uses this method of testing?
CogState's technology has been used widely in several key markets. Multinational pharmaceutical companies such as Pfizer, GlaxoSmithKline and Merck use CogState testing to determine the effects that their drugs have on brain function. These companies are FDA-approved and have performed several successful audits on our quality systems to ensure that we meet their strict standards. Sporting organizations such as FIFA, the AFL and the NRL utilize it to conduct research and make return-to-play decisions for concussed elite athletes. Research organizations such as Yale University, the University of Melbourne and the Australian Government's National Health and Medical Research Council apply it for academic research. General Practitioners worldwide use CogState to detect the onset of diseases such as Dementia and Alzheimer's in their patients. Currently it is being used in conjunction with Alzheimer's Australia in a screening study to detect the onset of early Dementia and Alzheimer's disease in the wider community.
