Overview
Common Assessments are evidence based standardized tools that facilitate the collection and use of client assessment information. They are internationally recognized automated tools and standardized processes that support the collection and use of client assessment information. The common assessments capture clients needs, informs service plans and measures client outcomes over time. Aggregate data generated by common assessments is used to support service and system planning.
interRAI CHA
Clients requiring comprehensive assessment to inform care planning - ADL/IADL (Activities of Daily Living/instrumental Activities of Daily Living) support.
Video: Using the IAR to support client care in the Community Support Services (CSS) sector
interRAI Preliminary Screener
Clients requiring single service for low intensity support independent in managing ADL/IADL.
Ontario Common Assessment of Need - OCAN
Standardized assessment tool used in the community mental health sector.
Supports a recovery approach and conversations.
Captures the client’s current situation, needs, strengths and service plan.
Video: Using the IAR to support client care in the Community Mental Health (CMH) sector
Video: Using the IAR to support client care in the Addictions sector
CSS (Community Support Services)
Common Assessment tools for Community Support Services (CSS)
To deliver on the CSS sector’s vision of standardized common assessment processes and practices, the interRAI Preliminary Screener (interRAI PS) and the interRAI Community Health Assessment (interRAI CHA) tools were implemented across the province.
Why use CSS Common Assessments?
Benefits of a common assessment in the CSS sector for clients, Health Service Providers (HSPs), and the health care system include:
- Identifying individual needs, helping match these to existing services and identifies service gaps
- Informing client centred care and service plans
- Further facilitating communication among HSPs through common data standards
- Enhancing the quality of information by having a consistent approach to collection
- Providing aggregate data that is consistent across the sector to inform organizational, regional and provincial-level planning and decision making
interRAI CHA is used for:
Clients requiring comprehensive assessment to inform care planning - related to ADL/IADL (Activities of Daily Living/instrumental Activities of Daily Living) support needs
Includes: Adult Day Services, Personal Support/Independence Training, Assisted Living/Supportive Housing (SDL), Attendant Outreach, Case Management/Care Coordination
interRAI Preliminary Screener is used for:
Clients requiring a single service for low intensity support and who are independent in managing their ADLs/IADLs
interRAI CHA or the interRAI Preliminary Screener are used for:
Clients with ADL/IADL needs and caregiver involvement
interRAI CHA usage depends on a caregiver's ability to manage
More Details
What is the interRAI CHA?
The interRAI CHA is the comprehensive assessment tool that helps identify the needs of adults living in the community and in residential care settings who need support to prevent or stabilize early functional or health decline. The interRAI CHA is geared to the somewhat frail or dependent clients who require assistance for independent living (e.g., attendant outreach, supportive housing, assisted living).
What is the interRAI PS?
The interRAI PS is intended to identify clients who would benefit from a comprehensive assessment. The interRAI PS is geared to clients who are receiving low intensity support services (e.g., homemaking, transportation).
CMH – OCAN (Community Mental Health - Ontario Common Assessment of Needs)
Common Assessment Tools for Community Mental Health (CMH)
To deliver on the CMH sector’s vision of standardized common assessment processes and practices, the Ontario Common Assessment of Need (OCAN) was implemented across the province.
Why use OCAN ?
OCAN benefits for consumers/clients, health service providers, and the health care system include:
- Supporting a client driven approach with the inclusion of a self assessment
- Supporting conversations with clients about needs, strengths and actions
- Providing aggregate data to support quality improvement planning at the program, organization, LHIN and provincial levels
- Facilitating inter-agency communication through common data standards
- Enhancing the quality of information by having a consistent approach to collection
What is OCAN ?
OCAN supports a recovery approach by supporting conversations that capture the client’s current situation, needs, strengths and service plan.
OCAN Reference Material and Training
OCAN reference material and online training course: CMH – OCAN (registration or login required)
If you have general inquiries, please send an email to: OH-DE-IAR-Program@ontariohealth.ca