Assessment

S:
For all new pts in the Pd clinic an initial assessment must be completed. This assessment includes both subjective and objective components. the subjective focuses on components such as balance, falls, mobility and PD symptoms i.e festinating gait. The objective is based on time trials for tests like the TUG, 6m walk test etc. the assessment form is filed and used as a baseline measure for future assessments to identify any deterioration in the pts function between interventions.
T:
To successfully complete this assessment form it is important that I ask the right qns in the subjective. I must gain a good understanding of anything the pt is having trouble with at home. For the objective it is important to do the tests correctly and explain them effectively to the pt. I must document correctly also, commenting on whether the pt used an aid during the tests etc.
A:
I sat the pt down and had a conversation with them. I started with an open ended qn and allowed the pt to explain to me what they were worried about. I then explored my main subjective topics to gain insight into where my intervention would be based. For the objective I ran through all the tests and took the pt through them.
R:
Overall my assessment was fairly good. There were however some extra qns I could have asked regarding some of the things the pt said. I took my filled in my assessment form and filed it in the pts file for further reference. All my time trials were done well.
E:
Overall I was effective in reaching my outcome of a detailed subjective and objective assessment. My weak points were communication, I was sometimes a bit condescending towards pts assuming their cognition level to be lower than it was. My strengths were my normative values knowledge and my rapport with pts.
S:
Some strategies for improvement are; becoming familiar with the subjective qns and knowing what to ask. Finding ways to explain certain terms to a pt such as festinating. Gaining insight into their cognition early as possible to decide upon the ;evel of explanation required.