abstract: Most professionals working with older people favour a 'needs led' assessment process in which the individual's needs form the agenda for action. It does not prove easy, however, to ignore professional and organisational agendas when assessing patients' needs. In this fascinating experimental study, the discharge arrangements made by three multidisciplinary teams were reviewed. The team led by an occupational therapist arranged the most occupational therapy services and equipment, and their patients received the most home care. The team led by a social worker referred the most patients for care assessment and their patients received the greatest range but not the greatest amount of services. The nurse-led team was least likely to refer patients for care assessment and their patients received the least services after discharge. 27 references.
authors.affiliation: Homerton College, Cambridge School of Health Studies.
authors.forename: John
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Adams