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Assessing applicants for Part III accommodation: is a formal clinical assessment worthwhile?
S S Sharma1, J Aldous, M Robinson
1Department of Public Health, Ealing, Hammersmith and Hounslow Health Authority, District HQ, Ealing Hospital, Middlesex.
Public Health
|March 1, 1994
Summary
Formal clinical assessments for residential care applicants identify unknown medical issues and improve placement decisions. This approach ensures better care and resource allocation for individuals seeking accommodation.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Public Health
- Social Work
Background:
- Varied assessment methods exist for Part III accommodation applicants, especially those residing at home.
- Traditional assessments combine social worker interviews with general practitioner medical histories.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the impact of a formal multidisciplinary clinical assessment in addition to traditional methods for residential care applicants.
- To determine if clinical assessment identifies previously unknown medical conditions and influences placement recommendations.
Main Methods:
- A retrospective review of 199 cases assessed between 1985 and 1989.
- Comparison of social worker assessments with outcomes following a multidisciplinary clinical assessment at a rehabilitation centre.
Main Results:
- Clinical assessment identified unknown medical problems in 79% of clients, many treatable.
- 29% of clients initially recommended for residential care were deemed better suited elsewhere after clinical assessment.
- 14% of clients' capacity/preference to remain at home was not fully considered in social work assessments.
Conclusions:
- Formal clinical assessment offers significant benefits for evaluating residential care applicants.
- Integrating clinical assessments can lead to more appropriate placement decisions and better health outcomes.
- The findings support the implementation of comprehensive clinical assessments for individuals seeking residential care.