Explain how assessment practice can impact on individuals’ lives.

For this assessment criterion, you will be required to explain how the assessment process can impact the lives of the individuals that you work with.

Ideally, the assessment process should be a positive experience and the individual that is being assessed should feel respected and valued throughout. Working in partnership with the individual and others, such as their family, advocates or other health professionals, you should put together a care package that meets their needs and improves their quality of life and general well-being.

Working in this way can make individuals empowered and in control of their care provision and delivery. This can have a positive impact on their confidence, self-esteem, and overall well-being. A well-directed assessment practice will also ensure that individuals get the right care provision for their unique needs, wishes and preferences.

However, if a practitioner does not take into account an individual’s unique needs or does not respect their views, the individual may feel oppressed, which can lead to negative feelings, lower confidence and self-esteem and distrust in the assessment process (as well as distrust of the care profession). Therefore, practitioners should work in a person-centred and professional way at all times.