Page last updated: Monday 5 October, 2009 3:57 PM

 

 

 

 

 

 

Reports - who cares...?

Writing reports about our contact and visits is, as we all know, a matter of law. The importance of these documents is drummed into us during our training and employers are ever mindful of their accuracy - especially in cases where things haven't gone to plan. But what happens to your reports once you press 'enter' on your computer - yes, the document is 'saved' but does anyone ever read it?

 

Rehab Specialists everywhere must write hundreds of these reports every day but are they ever read by colleagues, managers, auditors or clients? If one of our colleauges works with with someone we have worked with then maybe they'll have a quick glance (or would they simply talk to you?). Likewise, if another agency gets involved they may well ask for 'case reports' so that they can pick up on the information given but, does your line manager ever look at what you write? Is this not an important part of the 'supervision' process?

We ask this because many reports are written without thought to who may read them. They are often ambiguous in content and provide no real value. Occasionally one finds that statements have been written that deem the client to be 'depressed' or 'mentally ill' - is this acceptable? Unless the Rehab Specialist is a qualified psychiatrist/psychologist then we suggest not.

In an age where people have access to material kept on file about them is it not strange that this element of our work often goes unchecked? It is generally accepted that the majority of managers within Social Services have little or no background in visual impairment therefore, if they did decide to look up our records, would they be suitably qualified to pass judgement?

This leads to another problem - should the information be immediately decipherable by the reader? if so, should all references to 'professional jargon' be withdrawn and replaced with 'layman' terms?

The practice (art?) of report writing is diverse in the way certain elements are given attention - for example, the FACS criteria may encourage the Rehab Specialist to be more 'creative' in the way risk is assessed. The client's perspectives are usually included but again, these can be used reflect the professional's view rather than state the clients' 'true' opinion.

With the above in mind, should a case be made to demand more attention to the practice and review of writing reports?

 

Let us know your opinion - e-mail info@rehabworker.co.uk

 

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