PTSD Checklist for DSM-5 (PCL-5)

Records patient-reported PTSD symptoms securely to guide clinical decisions, track progress, and ensure compliant documentation.
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Simplify PTSD screening and management with Zentake’s HIPAA-compliant digital PCL-5 form. This secure, automated solution helps healthcare providers efficiently evaluate PTSD symptoms while protecting patient data.

What is the PTSD Checklist for DSM-5 (PCL-5)?

The PTSD Checklist for DSM-5 (PCL-5) is a 20-item self-report tool designed to assess symptoms of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) based on DSM-5 diagnostic criteria. Developed by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, the PCL-5 is widely used in both clinical and research settings to screen for PTSD, monitor symptom change, and assist with diagnosis.

Each item is rated on a scale from 0 (“Not at all”) to 4 (“Extremely”), making it a practical PTSD assessment tool for evaluating trauma-related distress.

Importance & Use Cases in Healthcare

The PCL-5 plays a vital role in identifying PTSD symptoms early, guiding treatment decisions, and tracking patient progress over time. It is especially valuable for:

Common use cases include screening, diagnosis support, treatment monitoring, and program evaluation.

Digital vs. Traditional PCL-5 Forms

Clinicians often rely on paper-based PCL-5 forms to assess PTSD symptoms. While functional, manual workflows can be slow, error-prone, and difficult to manage securely. Zentake offers a fully digital, automated, and HIPAA-compliant solution that streamlines every step of PTSD assessment.

Data Entry
Manual entry increases the risk of errors and consumes valuable time. Zentake automates data capture, ensuring accuracy and efficiency.

Security
Paper forms are vulnerable to loss or unauthorized access. Zentake securely stores all PCL-5 assessments in the cloud with HIPAA-compliant encryption and audit tracking.

Accessibility
Traditional forms require in-person completion. Zentake’s digital PCL-5 can be accessed on any device, enabling both in-clinic and remote assessments.

Scoring
Manual calculations can delay interpretation. Zentake provides instant, automated scoring for faster, more reliable results.

Integration
Paper workflows cannot connect to digital systems. Zentake integrates seamlessly with EHRs and workflow tools, streamlining documentation and reporting.

With Zentake, clinicians can eliminate paperwork, reduce administrative workload, and ensure every PTSD screening is secure, accurate, and efficient.

How Zentake Transforms the PCL-5 Experience

Zentake modernizes PTSD screening with a digital-first, HIPAA-compliant platform that automates every step—from patient input to data reporting.

Key Features:

FAQs

Q1. Who can use the PCL-5 form?
Healthcare professionals, mental health practitioners, and researchers who need to assess PTSD symptoms.

Q2. How long does it take to complete?
The PCL-5 typically takes 5–10 minutes to complete digitally through Zentake.

Q3. Is the PCL-5 scientifically validated?
Yes. The PCL-5 is a validated tool based on DSM-5 criteria and is widely used in clinical research and practice.

Q4. Can I export results from Zentake?
Absolutely. Zentake allows secure data export and integration with your existing record systems.

Q5. Does Zentake support other mental health forms?
Yes. Zentake also offers digital versions of PHQ-9 and GAD-7 assessments.