ORG06 RECORD – Make Information Useful
Recording is valuable only when the information helps somebody understand what the person needs and what to do.
Five things to consider
Record the actual task
State where the difficulty occurs rather than using broad labels.
Describe ability as well as difficulty
Explain what the person can do independently and where support is needed.
Record agreed support
Make the action clear enough for another worker to follow.
Include preferences
Record how the person wants support to be offered.
Keep it actionable
A new member of staff should be able to understand the practical response from the record.
Turning this into practical action
✓ Replace vague phrases with specific functional information.
✓ Record what helps, not only what the person cannot do.
✓ Link the identified need to an agreed action.
✓ Update records when ability, preference or support changes.
What this can look like in practice
“Poor vision at mealtimes” gives little direction. “Cannot distinguish pale food on a white plate; prefers a dark contrasting plate and wants food positions described when needed” gives staff something usable.
Question for your organisation
If a new worker read the record today, would they know exactly what to do?
Important boundary
Records should be accurate, proportionate and handled in line with the organisation’s information-governance responsibilities.
Want to take this further?
Useful recording is what allows person-centred sensory information to become consistent practice. If this resource has highlighted gaps in your organisation’s sensory practice, Sensory Visionaries can help, from reviewing what you currently have in place to providing a structured approach through the Sensory Compliance System.