Risk Assessment Tools

Clinical Risk Assessment ToolsThe Office of the Senior Practitioner DHS, defines risk as

“The chance of somebody getting hurt, being in danger, or doing something dangerous to other people.”

Clinical Risk Assessment ToolsClinical Risk Assessment Tools are specific assessments that

are used to measure levels of risk for certain situations, procedures and outcomes.

Clinical Risk Assessment Tools

In the clinical setting, nurses use a variety of clinical risk assessment tools that will help with the patients care.

Clinical Risk Assessment Tools

Braden Scale is used to predict pressure sore risk.

Clinical Risk Assessment Tools

Falls Risk Assessment is used to predict the likelihood of a fall

occurring.

Clinical Risk Assessment Tools

• The Women’s defines Clinical risk management as “an approach to improving the quality and safety of health care by identifying circumstances that put patients at risk and then acting to prevent or control those risks.”

• Clinical Risk is usually reviewed by the Quality Committee.

Clinical Risk Assessment Tools

The Women’s defines Clinical risk management as “an approach to improving the quality and safety of health care by identifying circumstances that put patients at risk and then acting to prevent or control those risks.”

Clinical Risk Assessment Tools

• Frequency Definition• Rare > 3 yearly• Unlikely 1-3 yearly• Occasionally 6 months - 1 year• Likely once every 6 months• Almost certain daily to monthly

Clinical Risk Assessment Tools

The table is used to rate the actual outcome of adverse events

Nursing Care Plans, Clinical Pathways and Clinical Risk Assessment Tools

Clinical Risk Assessment Tools should be filled out on admission so that clinical pathways and nursing care plans

can meet the needs of the patient.

References

• Queensland Health 2009, Clinical Pathways, Queensland Government, viewed 11th October 2010 http://www.health.qld.gov.au/cpic/service_improve/clinical_pathways.asp

• The Office of Senior Practitioner 2009, Positive solutions in practice: clinical risk assessment and management in people with an intellectual disability, State Government Victoria, viewed 11th October 2010

• http://www.dhs.vic.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0003/432489/osp_clinicalriskassessriskmanageinpeoplewithintellectdis_easyread_pdf_0510.pdf

References

• Aged care in Victoria 2009, Falls Risk Assessment Tool (FRAT), Victorian Government Health Information, viewed 11th October 2010, http://www.health.vic.gov.au/agedcare/maintaining/falls/providers/rac/plans_frat.htm

• Our Organisation The Women’s 2010, Risk Management Guidelines, The Royal Women’s Hospital, viewed 11th October 2010, http://intranet.thewomens.org.au/RiskManagementGuidelines?searchTerms[]=risk&searchTerms[]=assessment

IHNA offers qualifications in aged care, disability and nursing. Go to http://www.ihna.edu.au to kick start your health career.

Thank you for viewing this presentation!