CHS152 Assess an individuals communication skills and abilities

Overview

This standard is about the assessment of individuals’ actual and potential communication difficulties in order to develop a diagnosis and a plan for treatment or management.  Practitioners will apply a range of complex communication skills, tools and techniques to elicit responses and assess a range of functions which aid diagnosis and inform the development of a suitable strategy to assist with the development of the individual’s communication and general well-being. Users of this standard will need to ensure that practice reflects up to date information and policies. Version No 1

Knowledge and Understanding

You will need to know and understand:

1. the range of investigations available, their application and purpose
2. the relevant Code of Ethics and Professional conduct
3. your responsibilities under current national legislation and regulations, European, International and local Guidelines, Professional Standards and Codes of Practice
4. the clinical risks associated with each category of communication or swallowing disorder and how to manage these in the assessment environment
5. the range of communication skills, aids, including electronic tools and techniques that can be used to elicit communication from patients.
6. the application, capabilities and limitations of the relevant range of communication skills, aids, tools and techniques
7. the correct use of recording documentation
8. technical capabilities and limitations of associated equipment
9. factors influencing the selection of assessment tools, techniques or media
10. the range of strategies, interventions and assistance available to assist with improvement in communication and swallowing difficulties
11. the importance of a holistic approach to assessment
12. the use and importance of patient documentation
13. the importance of accessing information from a range of sources to co-ordinate working across different contexts for an individual.

Performance Criteria

You must be able to do the following:

1. review the individual’s history and relevant information available to establish the need for intervention and ensure relevant consent is obtained
2. confirm the individual’s identity, relevant consent for investigation and the identity of carers or others who may be involved in the investigation
3. manage clinical risks associated with the individual’s condition which may impact on the assessment process
4. explain the assessment process and expectations and confirm understanding
5. elicit communication using suitable modes, methods and levels of communication
6. select current and validated materials to meet linguistic, cultural and age-appropriate needs of the individual
7. establish baseline measures on all key variables using formal and informal assessment tools and techniques that are valid, reliable and repeatable
8. respect the rights, wishes, dignity and privacy of individuals at all times
9. record objectively and in an approved format to assist with diagnosis and planning:
1. the results of investigations
2. recommendations for action
10. inform the individual and their carers of next action and of any evidence based appraised literature or electronic information pertaining to their condition, including support groups
11. report findings of assessment, including relevant factors in the individual’s environment that support or may be perceived as barriers to the individual’s functioning or possible improvement in general well-being.

Additional Information

This National Occupational Standard was developed by Skills for Health.This standard links with the following dimension within the NHS Knowledge and Skills Framework (October 2004):Dimension: HWB6: Assessment and treatment planning