Assessment

The assessment continues if there is a difference between the previous and present ability to carry out an activity of living, which demonstrates movement along the dependence–independence continuum. Consideration of the input of others – family, friends, carers or other healthcare providers – is also relevant to the assessment. The first stage of assessment involves nursing students confirming information about the patient, to create a baseline that can be used later in the process. The second stage explores the patient's ability to carry out the activities of living. The model offers a 'conceptual framework' for nursing students to conduct a holistic assessment. The assessment then concentrates on describing the adaptive and maladaptive coping strategies that Suzy has adopted as a way of dealing with the problems – remember coping strategies refer to how Suzy is dealing with the problem. Consideration of the input of others – family, friends, carers or other healthcare providers – is relevant to the assessment.