- If someone has a communication problem then adaptations can be made to the assessment.
- Adaptive methods included:
- using informants (relatives or staff)
- increased reliance on clinical observation
- modifying questions (simplifying to yes/no answers)
- visual analogue scales.
- See Townend, Brady, & McLaughlan (2007) for a systematic review.
- Smiley faces or observational criteria on their own should not be used diagnostically (RCP, 2016).
- Similar adaptations could be used for those with significant cognitive impairment that is affecting assessment.
- Consideration should also be given to those with visual and visuospatial problems where horizontal (left to right) visual analogue scales may be difficult to interpret.
Page last reviewed: 09 Feb 2022
