Enable individuals to use assistive devices and assistive technology
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.
Users of this standard will need to communicate effectively to meet individuals' needs and wishes and work in line with health and safety legislation, policy and practices.
Performance criteria
You must be able to:
P1. identify and agree the roles and responsibilities of yourself and others in enabling individuals to use assistive devices and assistive technology
P2. provide support to the individual and carers and ensure health and safety measures are implemented at all times
P3. establish consent and access information on enabling individuals to use assistive devices and assistive technology
P4. explain how the assistive device can be used to the benefit of the individual being supported
P5. confirm that the assistive device and technology is safe and fit for purpose before use
P6. take appropriate action if the device or technology is found to be defective
P7. remove and minimise potential hazards in the immediate environment given the limits of the setting
P8. explain to individuals and carers about the safe use, operating requirements and maintenance of the assistive device and technology
P9. 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
P10. offer individuals appropriate feedback, encouragement and support in relation to the use of the device or technology
P11. monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of the assistive device and technology for the individual and adapt your approach as necessary
P12. agree relevant trial and review periods to co-ordinate with treatment plan and develop full capabilities in use of the assistive device and technology
P13. accurately report any adverse event in line with organisational requirements
P14. complete all documentation required for enabling individuals to use assistive devices and assistive technology
Knowledge and Understanding
You need to know and understand:
K1. how to access and interpret all relevant work instructions, legislation, guidelines, policies, procedures and protocols needed to enable individuals to use assistive devices and assistive technology
K2. the scope and limitations of your own competence, responsibilities and accountability as it applies to your job role
K3. specific procedures for reporting issues which are beyond your competence, responsibilities and accountability
K4. the principles, practice and procedures associated with informed consent
K5. the importance of giving the individual feedback and encouragement
K6. 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
K7. the range of assistive devices and the associated systems and procedures for their provision
K8. how to ensure that the assistive devices are safe and fit for use
K9. the appropriate specifications and limits of use for each type of assistive device
K10. the importance of making the environment safe for the use of particular assistive devices and methods of doing so
K11. the importance of reporting progress, defects in assistive devices and adverse events immediately
K12. a range of communication techniques appropriate to the individual to assist the motivation in the use of assistive devices or technology
K13. the importance of testing assistive devices within the user environment
K14. how to test and adjust assistive devices to meet individual needs
K15. the key principles associated with the installation of specific devices or technology
K16. where to access information relating to the range of assistive devices, associated systems and purpose
K17. the protocols and systems within the organisation in relation to responding to alerts that are activated by the devices or technology
K18. why it is important that documentation regarding use and maintenance of assistive devices is given to the individual or their family/carer
K19. how to complete and safely store all relevant documentation in accordance with organisational requirements