Five points to check
1. Translate the recommendation into an action
Capture exactly what was advised, for example position task lighting to the person's left when reading, rather than writing specialist advice received.
2. Record what the service decided
If only part of a recommendation is accepted, state what will happen and why so the decision is transparent.
3. Embed the change in the right place
Update the care plan, environment, staff instruction, communication flag or equipment record so the advice becomes part of routine delivery.
4. Check the effect with the person
Ask whether the intervention improved the original difficulty, especially where the aim was greater independence, confidence or access.
5. Close the loop
Record whether the change worked, partly worked or failed, and what happens next. Seek further advice when an intervention remains ineffective.
What useful evidence can look like
Useful evidence connects the identified need, the action taken, who was responsible, what happened in practice and the outcome for the person. It should be clear enough for another member of staff to understand and use.
- Need: What was identified and how did it affect the person?
- Action: What practical support or change was agreed?
- Practice: How can the service show that the action happened?
- Outcome: What difference did it make?
- Review: Is it still working and what happens next?
Ask your service: Could another member of staff understand what needs to happen from the evidence you currently hold?