Assessment
This module provides an overview of the approaches to assessment used to facilitate organisation, prioritisation and delivery of care.
The nursing process involves a structured approach to the delivery of individualised family-centred care; the process includes assessment, planning, implementation and evaluation.
The nursing role incorporates addressing the personal, physical, psycho-social, cultural and spiritual needs taking into consideration the patient and family’s wishes. An inclusive and holistic family-centred approach is important.
The sub-modules include information about the following:
- How children differ from adults.
- The essentials of the enquiry - what to ask and why, when to seek specialist advice.
- The essentials of clinical examination including basic joint examination (pGALS).
- The challenges of consultation with adolescents.
- Red flags and when to be concerned.
- Investigations - blood tests, urinalysis - what these may mean and how they can help with diagnosis and planning care.
There are many resources to support learning about clinical assessment.
- A free e-book from Versus Arthritis - this includes pGALS and much more !
- pGALS - a simple musculoskeletal assessment for children. Foster HE and Jandial S. Pediatric Rheumatology Online 2013.
- Check out the pGALS e-Module which includes a graphic animation demonstration of pGALS.
- The pGALS App - Google Play and Apple Store - with multiple language translations, explanatory notes, images, and relevant links to PMM.
