Date: 02/05/2025

Time: 10:00am – 02:00pm

Title:  Assessment Tools in Practice

I was able to explore assessment tools and their uses in practice. Some of the tools include Waterlow score (for pressure ulcer risk), MUST (Malnutrition Universal Screening Tool), NEWS2 (National Early Warning Score) and the Abbey Pain Scale (for assessing pain in patients with dementia). These tools are designed to support early identification of patient deterioration, nutritional deficits, skin integrity risks and pain levels in nonverbal individuals.

Using these tools has really influenced my prioritisation of care. For example, the NEWS2 score has helped in the timely escalation of care for deteriorating patients by identifying subtle changes in vital signs. The MUST tool allows for early dietitian referral and nutritional intervention especially for elderly, ill patients or those who have difficulties in swallowing. Waterlow Score promotes preventative care by highlighting patients at risk of developing pressure ulcers, prompting repositioning, pressure relieving equipment and skin monitoring. While the Abbey Pain Scale is extremely useful in managing pain for patients with communication barriers.

Moving forward, as a student Nursing Associate I will practice more to improve my consistency and accuracy with these tools. I will also ensure these tools are integrated with holistic patient assessment

KSB addressed:

K14: Understand the importance of health screening

K19: Know how and when to escalate to the appropriate professional for expert help and advice

K20: Know how people’s needs for safety, dignity, privacy, comfort and sleep can be met

K22: Know how to meet people’s needs related to nutrition, hydration, bladder and bowel health

K23: How to meet people’s needs related to mobility, hygiene, oral care, wound care and skin integrity

K26: Understand where and how to seek guidance and support from others to ensure that the best interests of those receiving care are upheld

K33: Understand when to seek appropriate advice to manage a risk and avoid compromising quality of care in health outcomes

K36: Understand the roles of the different providers of health and care

S2: Keep completes, clear, accurate and timely records

S30: Recognise when a person’s condition has improved or deteriorated by undertaking health monitoring, interpreting, promptly responding and sharing findings as needed

S35: Accurately undertake risk assessments, using contemporary assessment tools