Enable individuals to use assistive devices and assistive technology

URN: SFHCHS239
Business Sectors (Suites): Clinical Health Skills
Developed by: Skills for Health
Approved on: 2021

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.


Performance criteria

You must be able to:

  1. access and accurately interpret all relevant work instructions and information
  2. work safely at all times and in accordance with all relevant legislation, guidelines, policies, procedures and protocols
  3. deal promptly and effectively with any problems within your control and report those which cannot be solved
  4. identify and minimise hazards and risk in the workplace
  5. communicate with the individual and key people at a pace, in a manner and at a level appropriate to the individual's understanding, preferences and needs
  6. respect the individual's rights and wishes relating to their privacy, beliefs, and dignity
  7. provide support to the individual and carers and ensure health and safety measures are implemented at all times
  8. gain valid, informed consent from the individual in accordance with specific procedures
  9. explain how the assistive device can be used to the benefit of the individual being supported
  10. confirm that the assistive device and technology is safe and fit for purpose before use
  11. take appropriate action if the device or technology is found to be defective
  12. remove and minimise potential hazards in the immediate environment given the limits of the setting
  13. explain to individuals and carers about the safe use, operating requirements and maintenance of the assistive device and technology
  14. 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
  15. offer individuals appropriate feedback, encouragement and support in relation to the use of the device or technology
  16. monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of the assistive device and technology for the individual and adapt your approach as necessary
  17. agree relevant trial and review periods to co-ordinate with treatment plan and develop full capabilities in use of the assistive device and technology
  18. accurately report any adverse event in line with organisational requirements
  19. complete and store all relevant documentation in accordance with organisational requirements

Knowledge and Understanding

You need to know and understand:

  1. the current legislation, guidelines, policies, procedures and protocols which are relevant to your work practice and to which you must adhere
  2. the scope and limitations of your own competence, responsibilities and accountability as it applies to your job role
  3. how to access and interpret all relevant work instructions and information
  4. specific procedures for reporting issues which are beyond your competence, responsibilities and accountability
  5. the duty to report any acts or omissions that could be unsafe/detrimental to you or others
  6. the hazards and risks which may arise during the execution of your work role and how you can minimise these
  7. how to adapt communication styles in ways which are appropriate to the needs of the individual  
  8. the correct use of any equipment and PPE to protect the health and safety of you and others
  9. the principles, practice and procedures associated with informed consent
  10. the needs of individuals and carers including issues relating to dignity, confidentiality, and privacy
  11. how to work effectively as a member of a multi-disciplinary team and across different agencies
  12. the importance of reflecting on your practice and its relationship with continuing professional development
  13. the importance of giving the individual feedback and encouragement
  14. the importance of keeping individuals informed of their progress
  15. 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
  16. the range of assistive devices and the associated systems and procedures for their provision
  17. how to ensure that the assistive devices are safe and fit for use
  18. the appropriate specifications and limits of use for each type of assistive device
  19. the importance of making the environment safe for the use of particular assistive devices and methods of doing so
  20. the importance of reporting progress, defects in assistive devices and adverse events immediately
  21. a range of communication techniques appropriate to the individual to assist the motivation in the use of assistive devices or technology
  22. the importance of testing assistive devices within the user environment
  23. how to test and adjust assistive devices to meet individual needs
  24. the range, associated systems and purpose of assistive devices
  25. the key principles associated with the installation of specific devices or technology  
  26. where to access information relating to the range of assistive devices, associated systems and purpose
  27. the protocols and systems within the organisation in relation to responding to alerts that are activated by the devices or technology
  28. why it is important that documentation regarding use and maintenance of assistive devices is given to the individual or their family/carer
  29. how to complete and safely store all relevant documentation in accordance with organisational requirements

Scope/range


Scope Performance


Scope Knowledge


Values


Behaviours


Skills


Glossary


Links To Other NOS


External Links


Version Number

2

Indicative Review Date

2026

Validity

Current

Status

Original

Originating Organisation

Skills for Health

Original URN

SFHCHS239

Relevant Occupations

Health and Social Care, Health and Social Services Officers, Health Associate Professionals, Health Professionals, Health, Public Services and Care, Healthcare and Related Personal Services

SOC Code

2259

Keywords

Enable, individuals, use, assistive, devices, technology