What is an Initial needs assessment?
An initial needs assessment is an assessment that is used to determine a client’s rehabilitation needs. This assessment is completed in compensation, compulsory third party and income protection matters. The goal of the assessment is to provide recommendations for the client’s rehabilitation that will enable a return to work or return to activities of daily living following injury or illness.
What does an Initial needs assessment involve?
An initial needs assessment is usually completed within our clinic or can be completed within the home. The assessment usually takes 1-2 hours and assesses the following:
- Physical abilities and limitations
- Activities of daily living (ADL’s)
- Current Employment Status
- Cooperation with treating medical practitioners and other suitable allied health professionals.
A comprehensive report is provided after the assessment is completed and includes recommendations with regards to vocational and physical rehabilitation goals.
An Occupational Therapist or Physiotherapist from the Doveston Health team can also provide case management to ensure that the rehabilitation goals are implemented and achieved within a realistic time frame.
When should an initial needs assessment be utilised?
- When a client is reporting ongoing difficulties with any or all of the following: physical injuries, ability to return to work and/or activities of daily living.
- For workers who sustain multiple injuries or complex injuries and illness
- For complicated or prolonged claims and injuries
- Difficulties contacting clients
- Income protection or compulsory third party personal injury claims
What are the benefits of an initial needs assessment?
- Able to gain a clear summary of the client’s status.
- Provided a detailed plan specifying rehabilitation needs, and time frames for goals to be achieved.
- Doveston Health will implement and monitor the recommended goals, ensuring timely gains are achieved.
- Injury management services, such as gym programs, vocational rehabilitation and rehabilitation, can commence immediately improving outcomes.
