Updated 15:28 Tuesday, February 17, 2009
 
Single Assessment Process

The single assessment process (SAP), introduced in the National Service Framework for older people in January 2002, aims to make sure older people's care needs are assessed thoroughly and accurately, but without procedures being needlessly duplicated by different agencies. The purpose of SAP is to ensure that older people receive appropriate, effective and timely responses to their health and social care needs, and that professional resources are used effectively.

Key SAP requirements supported by Ascribe:

  • Individuals are placed at the heart of assessment and care planning, and these processes are timely and in proportion to individuals' needs.
  • Professionals are willing, able and confident to use their judgement.
  • Care plans or statements of service delivery are routinely produced and service users receive a copy.
  • Professionals contribute to assessments in the most effective way, and care co-ordinators are agreed in individual cases when necessary.
  • Information is collected, stored and shared as effectively as possible and subject to consent.
  • Professionals and agencies do not duplicate each other's assessments.