Overview
An effective patient-assessment process results in decisions about the patient’s immediate and continuing treatment needs for emergency, elective, or planned care, even when the patient’s condition changes. Patient assessment is an ongoing, dynamic process that takes place in many inpatient and outpatient settings and departments and clinics. Patient assessment consists of three primary processes:
• Collecting information and data on the patient’s physical, psychological, social status, and health history
• Analyzing the data and information, including the results of laboratory and imaging diagnostic tests, to identify the patient’s health care needs
• Developing a plan of care to meet the patient’s identified needs
Patient assessment is appropriate when it considers the patient’s condition, age, health needs, and his or her requests or preferences. These processes are most effectively carried out when the various health professionals responsible for the patient work together.
Standards
The following is a list of all standards for this function. They are presented here for your convenience without their intent statements or measurable elements. For more information about these standards, please see the next section in this chapter, Standards, Intents, and Measurable Elements.
AOP.1 All patients cared for by the organization have their health care needs identified through an established assessment process.
AOP.1.1 The organization has determined the scope and content of assessments, based on applicable laws and regulations and professional standards.
AOP.1.2 Each patient’s initial assessment(s) includes an evaluation of physical, psychological, social, and economic factors, including a physical examination and health history.
AOP.1.3 The patient’s medical and nursing needs are identified from the initial assessments and recorded in the clinical record.
AOP.1.3.1 The initial medical and nursing assessment of emergency patients is based on their needs and conditions.