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:
- access and accurately interpret all relevant work instructions and information
- work safely at all times and in accordance with all relevant legislation, guidelines, policies, procedures and protocols
- deal promptly and effectively with any problems within your control and report those which cannot be solved
- identify and minimise hazards and risk in the workplace
- 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
- respect the individual's rights and wishes relating to their privacy, beliefs, and dignity
- provide support to the individual and carers and ensure health and safety measures are implemented at all times
- gain valid, informed consent from the individual in accordance with specific procedures
- explain how the assistive device can be used to the benefit of the individual being supported
- confirm that the assistive device and technology is safe and fit for purpose before use
- take appropriate action if the device or technology is found to be defective
- remove and minimise potential hazards in the immediate environment given the limits of the setting
- explain to individuals and carers about the safe use, operating requirements and maintenance of the assistive device and technology
- 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
- offer individuals appropriate feedback, encouragement and support in relation to the use of the device or technology
- monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of the assistive device and technology for the individual and adapt your approach as necessary
- agree relevant trial and review periods to co-ordinate with treatment plan and develop full capabilities in use of the assistive device and technology
- accurately report any adverse event in line with organisational requirements
- complete and store all relevant documentation in accordance with organisational requirements
Knowledge and Understanding
You need to know and understand:
- the current legislation, guidelines, policies, procedures and protocols which are relevant to your work practice and to which you must adhere
- the scope and limitations of your own competence, responsibilities and accountability as it applies to your job role
- how to access and interpret all relevant work instructions and information
- specific procedures for reporting issues which are beyond your competence, responsibilities and accountability
- the duty to report any acts or omissions that could be unsafe/detrimental to you or others
- the hazards and risks which may arise during the execution of your work role and how you can minimise these
- how to adapt communication styles in ways which are appropriate to the needs of the individual
- the correct use of any equipment and PPE to protect the health and safety of you and others
- the principles, practice and procedures associated with informed consent
- the needs of individuals and carers including issues relating to dignity, confidentiality, and privacy
- how to work effectively as a member of a multi-disciplinary team and across different agencies
- the importance of reflecting on your practice and its relationship with continuing professional development
- the importance of giving the individual feedback and encouragement
- the importance of keeping individuals informed of their progress
- 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
- the range of assistive devices and the associated systems and procedures for their provision
- how to ensure that the assistive devices are safe and fit for use
- the appropriate specifications and limits of use for each type of assistive device
- the importance of making the environment safe for the use of particular assistive devices and methods of doing so
- the importance of reporting progress, defects in assistive devices and adverse events immediately
- a range of communication techniques appropriate to the individual to assist the motivation in the use of assistive devices or technology
- the importance of testing assistive devices within the user environment
- how to test and adjust assistive devices to meet individual needs
- the range, associated systems and purpose of assistive devices
- the key principles associated with the installation of specific devices or technology
- where to access information relating to the range of assistive devices, associated systems and purpose
- the protocols and systems within the organisation in relation to responding to alerts that are activated by the devices or technology
- why it is important that documentation regarding use and maintenance of assistive devices is given to the individual or their family/carer
- 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