New adult balance assessment appointment
Competency 1:
Prepare test facilities & equipment, to include daily calibration checks and room set up.
Competency 2:
Brief patients and/or carers appropriately with reference to their information needs and expectations of assessment.
Competency 3:
Take a full and relevant history which informs an individualised test strategy.
Competency 4:
Formulate and plan clinical approaches, using clinical reasoning strategies, with reference to identified purpose of assessment and information needs of others.
Competency 5:
Show creativity, initiative and originality of thinking in tackling and solving practical problems
Competency 6:
Carry out testing in a safe and effective manner adapting as required to ensure information gained is maximised within the time available.
Competency 7:
Collate relevant information, interpret and make an informed decision concerning the diagnosis and management of individual cases.
Competency 8:
Give clear information on results of balance assessment, advice and recommendation for follow-up actions/interventions using appropriate language and communication strategies.
Competency 9:
Recognise the need for and arrange onward referral to relevant professionals such as referral to physiotherapy, a local falls clinic or to mental health services for support with anxiety/depression.
Competency 10:
Write reports on test results and recommendations and / or outcome of treatment as required, suitable for the intended audience, to include a range of professionals
Competency 11:
Keep appropriate clinical records
Competency 12:
Demonstrate the ability to, and articulate clearly through presentation and constructive discussion with colleagues:
a. Relate their own practice to a supporting knowledge base – including reference to evidence based and/or recognised good practice
b. Clearly justify any of their own clinical decisions made in the assessment or management of patients
c. Critically appraise the context of individual assessments within national and local structures/processes for assessment and diagnosis of balance disorders
d. Critically evaluate and reflect on their own actions
e. Show independent thought through evaluation and presentation of alternative (and justified) approaches to existing local practice