Documenting Assessment Results

describe some strategies for sharing assessment data with patients and families

• adjust content to communication needs of client

• talk to client using supported communication

• use visuals, such as models of brains

• explain link between test results and functional skills in life

• focus on strengths

• be realistic about challenges

• anticipate questions

• don’t overload them with info

if a client asks for judgments about their prognosis, do not:

• overstate negative or positive predictions

• oversimplify complex interactions of factors that influence recovery

• be overly confident about what you know

instead, say “everyone recovers differently” = be general

when it comes to reporting assessment results, you want to be…

concise, clear, and relevant - share the info with others who will make use of the info

when it comes to reporting assessment results, you want to…

• anticipate how others will read the report

• be sensitive to perspectives of people with language disorders

• review report using supported communication techniques

what information should you include in written assessments?

• a brief description of the patient’s background

• a brief summary of the patient’s communicative strengths and weaknesses

• a brief summary of recommendations