The consortium for spinal cord medicine (2000) supports the view that regular assessment should be incorporated into the overall assessment of all individuals with spinal cord injuries. Documentation may vary from every shift, to daily or weekly, to variable intervals in the community, depending on client need and clinical presentation. The trigger for reassessment should be based on deterioration or improvement in the individual’s health status.
Braden (2001) suggests that the frequency of risk assessments should be based on the findings of the initial admission assessment and the rapidity of the client’s change in health status. Ideally, the client should be assessed for risk on admission, again in 48 hours and as often as the level of mobility indicates. In addition, Braden (2001) makes recommendations for specific populations according to the following schedules:
SITE OF CARE RISK ASSESSMENT SCHEDULE
Long - term care facilities - At admission , than every week for four weeks and quarterly thereafter
Intensive care units - daily
General medical/surgical units - Every other day
Community - Every home visit