An immediate needs assessment aims to gather a measure of the range and extent of a person’s abilities (and how these interact), with a view to agreeing the need, form and timeliness of any future intervention(s).
Following illness and injury, an immediate needs assessment helps to situate individual need across a range of contexts. For example, there may be competing clinical, psychological and social needs that require immediate professional attention and a priority response is required.
Immediate needs assessments help to frame the collaborative agenda, to mobilise short-term goal-oriented strategies and to maximise the individual’s recovery. Wherever possible, goals are S.M.A.R.T. (specific, measurable, agreed, realistic and timely). Goals are owned by the individual.