What is the AIMS test used for?

The AIMS is a clinical outcome measure used to assess abnormal movements in people with tardive dyskinesia. These involuntary movements primarily present as abnormal tongue movements, lip smacking or puckering, grimacing, and excessive blinking.

When should AIMS test be done?

Administer the AIMS at baseline before the institution of pharmacotherapy to document any movements present, then at least every 3 months thereafter during the course of treatment. Part of the AIMS assessment includes observation of the patient when he or she is distracted by other activities.

How do you test for tardive dyskinesia?

Your doctor may do blood tests and brain imaging, like a CT or MRI scan, to find out whether you have another disorder that causes abnormal movements, such as: Cerebral palsy. Huntington’s disease. Parkinson’s disease.

Can Aims be done virtually?

Even with the sole use of telepsychiatry, many of the elements of the AIMS can be covered. For example, asking the patient if they have noticed any abnormal movements is possible via telepsychiatry, along with the clinician’s own observations during the consultation.

What does a positive AIMS test mean?

A rating of 2 or higher on the AIMS scale, however, is evidence of tardive dyskinesia. If the patient has mild TD in two areas or moderate movements in one area, then he or she should be given a diagnosis of TD. The AIMS test is considered extremely reliable when it is given by experienced raters.

Can a nurse do AIMS test?

2. If the patient is at a remote clinic that is staffed by nurses or medical assistants, these individuals can be trained to conduct a full and thorough AIMS examination. This takes care of the issue of the prescribing clinician not being in the room with the patient.

What are the 4 aims of research?

This gradual accumulation of knowledge dictates the overall direction of science and philosophy.

• Observation and Description. The first stage of any research is to observe the world around us and to ask questions about why things are happening.
• Predict.
• Determination of the Causes.
• Explain.
• New Directions.
• Bibliography.

What is a normal AIMS score?

These items are rated on a five-point scale of severity from 0–4. The scale is rated from 0 (none), 1 (minimal), 2 (mild), 3 (moderate), 4 (severe). Two of the 12 items refer to dental care.

Who can administer an AIMS test?

The AIMS test was originally developed for administration by trained clinicians. People who are not health care professionals, however, can also be taught to administer the test by completing a training seminar. The entire test can be completed in about 10 minutes.

How often should Aims be administered?

Completed in about 10 minutes, AIMS is typically administered every 3 to 6 months to monitor patients at risk for TD, or more frequently as indicated.