Chapter 1 Assessment Basics

Assessment Definitions: A process of estimating or measuring the level of ability, characteristics, or the personal values of the client. A systematic procedure for gathering select information about an individual for the purpose of making decisions regarding that individual’s program or treatment plan

Define Parameters Determine function of assessment: Screening Identifying the problems Narrowing the problems Reassessing of monitoring client progress Determine assessment content (aligned with the programs)

Cont. Determine implementation strategy Interviews Observations self-administered questionnaires Records reviews Standardized assessment OR Agency specific assessment

Establish assessment protocols Preparation Administration Scoring analysis & interpretation Reporting Train staff & interns on assessment protocol Implement the assessment.

Clinical Evaluation Vs. Clinical Opinion

Clinical Evaluation A clinical evaluation places a value on different characteristics or attributes of a client with the overall intent of causing a positive change in the clients health and well-being. The professional uses the tools and methods available to him/her, following standards of practice, to determine if and how a client can be helped (and help him or herself)

… The administration of a leisure interest questionnaire, such as the leisurescope or LIM, is NOT a clinical evaluation unless the intent of administering the questionnaire is to potentially cause a modification on the client’s health and well-being.

Clinical opinion Is the health care professional’s belief or idea of the client’s status based on experience and training that may or may not be supported by test scores.

Why Give Assessments Confirm Dx Establish baseline Measure progress Determine feasibility of DC Program Evaluation Determine loss or gain

Timing Initial meeting within 24 – 72 hours Some evaluation in every interaction Key information to develop treatment plan

Objective vs Subjective information Objective information: is information about a real object that emphasizes the features and characteristics of the object. This information frequently can be described and measured by many individuals through observation and physical manipulation

Objective vs Subjective information Subjective information: is information about a thought, a feeling about something that exists only in the mind of an individual. Two different individuals not able to come up with same result

Types of Assessment Tools Non-standardized Standardized Signs Scales