CHS239 Enable individuals to use assistive devices and assistive technology

Overview

This standard relates to working with individuals, their carers and other members of a multi-disciplinary team, where appropriate, to enable individuals to use assistive devices and technology. This should take place within the philosophy of enabling and promoting self care, integrated care, self management and independence. 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 national legislation, guidelines and local policies and protocols which affect your work practice
2. how to work effectively as a member of a multi-disciplinary team and across different agencies
3. the importance of reflecting on your practice and its relationship with continuing professional development
4. how to communicate effectively in the appropriate manner to meet the individual's needs and preferences
5. the importance of giving the individual feedback and encouragement
6. the importance of keeping individuals informed of their progress
7. the effect which the environment has on the use and safety of assistive devices and why it is important to explain this to the individual
8. the range of assistive devices and the associated systems and procedures for their provision
9. how to ensure that the assistive devices are safe and fit for use
10. the appropriate specifications and limits of use for each type of assistive device
11. the importance of making the environment safe for the use of particular assistive devices and methods of doing so
12. the importance of reporting progress, defects in assistive devices and adverse events immediately
13. a range of communication techniques appropriate to the individual to assist the motivation in the use of assistive devices or technology
14. the importance of testing assistive devices within the user environment
15. how to test and adjust assistive devices to meet individual needs
16. the range, associated systems and purpose of assistive devices
17. the key principles associated with the installation of specific devices or technology
18. where to access information relating to the range of assistive devices, associated systems and purpose
19. the procedures and systems within the organisation in relation to the provision of assistive devices
20. the protocols and systems within the organisation in relation to responding to alerts that are activated by the devices or technology
21. the importance of keeping full and accurate records, and how to do so
22. why it is important that documentation regarding use and maintenance of assistive devices is given to the individual or their family/carer

Performance Criteria

You must be able to do the following:

1. provide information about the use of the assistive devices and technology with individuals in an appropriate manner
2. confirm that the assistive device and technology is safe and fit for use for the individual's requirements before use
3. take appropriate action if the device or technology is found to be defective
4. remove and minimise potential hazards in the immediate environment given the limits of the setting
5. explain to individuals and carers about the safe use, any transportation requirements and maintenance of the assistive device and technology
6. ensure the individual understands what to do in the event of any alerts activated by the device or technology and what to do in the event of the device or technology failing
7. offer individuals appropriate feedback, encouragement and support in relation to the use of the device or technology
8. monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of the assistive device and technology for the individual and adapt your approach as necessary
9. agree relevant trial and review periods to co-ordinate with treatment plan and develop full capabilities in use of the assistive device and technology
10. accurately report any adverse event in line with local protocols
11. maintain full, accurate and legible records of information collected in line with current legislation, guidelines, policies and protocols

Additional Information

This National Occupational Standard was developed by Skills for Health. This standard replaced CM E3. This standard links with the following dimension within the NHS Knowledge and Skills Framework (October 2004): Dimension: HWB7 Interventions and treatments