CHS216.2014 Assess an individual's capabilities for rehabilitation and/or assistive technology

Overview

This standard relates to the assessment of an individual's needs, capabilities, environmental factors and personal goals. This process may cover a wide range of assessment areas, use various tools and techniques and include qualitative and quantitative measures. The outcome of this assessment would aim to improve or maintain an individual's functional ability, capabilities and personal / social interactions. Users of this standard will need to ensure that practice reflects up to date information and policies. Version No 2

Knowledge and Understanding

You will need to know and understand:

1. the current national legislation, guidelines, local policies and protocols which affect your work practice
2. the policies and guidance that clarify your scope of practice, accountabilities and the working relationship between yourself and others
3. your own level of competence, authority and specialist knowledge base related to the assessment process
4. the importance of reflecting on your practice and its relationship with continuing professional development
5. how to work effectively as a member of a multi-disciplinary team and across different agencies
6. how to communicate effectively in the appropriate manner to meet the individuals needs and preferences
7. the range of stakeholders and end users involved, their information needs, roles, responsibilities and capabilities
8. how and when to seek advice and information from colleagues and relevant agencies
9. functional anatomy, physiology and their application within your speciality and the type of assessment required for the individual's condition
10. the range of conditions which may result in referral for assessment and their common causes and prognoses applicable to your work practice
11. the range of relevant tests, their uses and limitations and the associated threshold measurements and how to select the appropriate tests relevant to the assessment process
12. the importance of undertaking a comprehensive risk assessment as part of the assessment process
13. the importance of checking that any equipment or medical device used for measurement is working correctly
14. the range of materials ,components and technology available, their application, indication, and contra-indications for use relevant to the individual's condition
15. why it is important to assess the factors affecting the suitability and effectiveness of possible assessment investigations for the individual and how to do this
16. the importance of the range of external and environmental factors which may influence function, capacity and social interaction of users and the responses to stimuli used during the assessment
17. the range of tools and techniques for maximising an individual's responsiveness in the assessment process and how to adapt the process to meet individuals needs
18. the type and extent of records required for individual assessment and how to complete them

Performance Criteria

You must be able to do the following:

1. communicate effectively in an appropriate manner to meet the individual's needs and preferences
2. check the identity of the individual and confirm the reason for referral, clinical need, authorisation and the objectives of assessment
3. identify and involve relevant others in the assessment process if appropriate
4. identify pre-disposing conditions that may affect the assessment of the individual
5. apply appropriate health and safety measures, infection prevention and control and personal protective equipment within the assessment process
6. select and adapt the tools or techniques relevant to the individual's condition and situation, level of responsiveness, level of development and age-appropriateness
7. take accurate, relevant and sufficient data to assist with specification or to make a decision on alternative solutions
8. determine the scope and limitations of the individual's function, capacity and social interaction that will influence the type, nature, design or use of intended intervention or care plan
9. accurately record assessment results including instances where it is not possible to carry out all elements of the assessment
10. where the assessment process proves to be inappropriate or where information collected raises additional issues, seek advice from relevant others
11. discuss and agree the range of options identified in the assessment process with the individual, their relevant others and key stakeholders
12. clearly explain the next steps to the individual and their relevant others and confirm their understanding
13. report on the assessment, relating results obtained directly to the agreed objectives and referral questions raised
14. maintain full, accurate and legible records of information collected during the assessment process and store in correct location in line with current legislation, guidelines, local policy and protocols

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