EUSC03 Coordinate further assessments and investigations of an individual prior to initiation of an intervention

Overview

This standard covers the coordinating of any further assessments or investigations prior to an intervention within the EUSC environment. You will be working with individuals, their significant others and other health and care providers as appropriate to identify the need for further assessments and investigations and to make arrangements for these to be carried out. 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 current European, national and local legislation, protocols, policies and guidelines which affect your work practice
2. your responsibilities under the current European, national and local legislation, protocols, policies and guidelines with respect to your actions within the assessment and investigation environment
3. why it is necessary to obtain informed consent prior to working with an individual and the methods used to achieve this where the individual is not able to give their consent directly (e.g. because they are comatose or have communication differences)
4. the legislation, policies and guidance which clarify your scope of practice and the relationship between yourself and other members of staff in terms of delegation and supervision
5. why it is important to get positive confirmation of the individual’s identity and effective methods of obtaining positive identification
6. your role and responsibilities, those of other health and care providers involved in the assessment and investigation process and the importance of working within your own scope of practice
7. the importance and purpose of keeping the individual informed about what you are doing and the nature of the assessments and investigations that are being coordinated
8. the importance of considering the individual’s level of understanding in answering questions about the assessments and investigations that being coordinated
9. the different methods of communication you may have to use in relation to individuals with communication difficulties or differences
10. the range of health and care providers engaged in providing further assessment and investigations and how to gauge their appropriateness for the further needs of the individual
11. the health and social care network, directory of services and agreed referral pathways
12. the arrangements, procedures and documentation required for the transfer of individuals between health and care providers
13. the individual assessment process
14. the pertinent information required by other health and care providers for the further assessment or investigation of individuals
15. the typical time required for different assessments/investigations and prioritisation systems that apply
16. what actions can be taken to alter the sequence in which assessments and investigations are conducted to ensure that, where appropriate, the results are made available as quickly as possible
17. the importance of recording information clearly, accurately and in a systematic manner
18. the types of information that must be recorded in relation to the coordination of further assessment and investigation of individuals
19. the importance of the timely recording of information regarding the coordination of further assessments and investigations.

Performance Criteria

You must be able to do the following:

1. determine the need for the individual to undergo further assessment / investigation prior to initiation of the intervention, and identify what further assessments/investigations may be required
2. ensure, where possible and appropriate, that the individual or a significant other understands the reasons for other health and care providers being involved in providing further assessment/investigation and is happy to involve other health and care providers or significant others as required
3. ensure that, where possible, the individual has given informed consent to further assessment or investigation
4. identify which health and care provider is most able to meet the needs of the individual and make arrangements with them for the appropriate assessments/investigations to be conducted
5. ensure that the transfer/referral of individuals between health and care providers is agreed, arranged and documented appropriately and accurately, in line with agreed policies and protocols
6. provide all necessary records and documentation relevant to other health and care providers to enable them to conduct further assessment / investigation with the individual, in line with national legislation, policies and protocols
7. respect and maintain the individuals’ privacy, dignity, wishes and beliefs, throughout your interaction with them
8. maintain timely, accurate, complete and legible records with national and local legislation, policies and guidelines
9. work at all times within appropriate patient and information confidentiality legislation, guidelines and protocols
10. work within your scope of responsibility and accountability, referring to others where appropriate and/or necessary.

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