Introducing the Integrated Assessment Tool designed to evaluate the eligibility of older individuals for Commonwealth-subsidized aged care services and programs. This innovative tool is set to launch on July 1, 2024. For those working in the aged care industry, it is crucial to understand the implications of this new development.
What is the Integrated Assessment Tool (IAT)?
The Integrated Assessment Tool (IAT) is a tool designed to assess the functional needs of older individuals across various domains, including activities of daily living, cognition, psychosocial factors, and medical conditions.
The development of the IAT was prompted by the recommendations of the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety, as part of the single assessment reforms. The Commission identified that the current aged care assessment process could be confusing for older individuals and their families, often leading to the need to repeat their story multiple times as they navigate between assessment organizations.
The primary goal of the IAT is to gather more comprehensive information to ensure that service recommendations and referrals are customized to each individual’s specific needs. The introduction of the IAT marks the initial phase of implementing the Single Assessment System, aimed at streamlining and improving the assessment process for older individuals seeking aged care services.
Development of the Integrated Assessment Tool (IAT)
The IAT was developed based on the National Screening and Assessment Form (NSAF), with input from an expert clinical panel to ensure the inclusion of relevant questions and validated tools. A live trial of the IAT was conducted from April 17, 2023, to July 28, 2023, involving eight Aged Care Assessment Teams (ACAT) and 14 Regional Assessment Services (RAS) organizations.
What training will be provided for using the IAT?
All current assessors must complete IAT training before conducting assessments using the IAT starting on July 1, 2024. The training process includes:
- Face-to-face and virtual train-the-trainer sessions will be introduced for assessment organization trainers starting in late April 2024.
- Trainers will conduct training sessions for learners in May and June 2024.
- Mandatory online training will be accessible for all assessors in May.
- Assessment scenarios will be provided for assessors to practice in the IAT training environment starting in mid-June.
What will occur with the NSAF after July 1, 2024?
Transitional arrangements will be implemented to facilitate a seamless shift from the NSAF to the IAT. The specifics of these arrangements have not yet been disclosed. Any assessments initiated after July 1 will be conducted using the IAT.
How will assessment quality be maintained when using the tool?
The Integrated Assessment Tool (IAT) will enhance the collection of comprehensive information, allowing for the individual story of each older person and their carer/s to be recorded with flexibility. The tool is designed to elevate the quality of assessment by:
- Providing nine evidence-based validated assessment tools, such as Good Spirit Good Life, De Morton Mobility Index, and GP Cog.
- Embedding evidence-based assessments in the IAT, making completion of these assessments mandatory rather than optional as with the National Screening and Assessment Form (NSAF). Consequently, more robust clinical information is gathered to guide assessment outcomes.
By utilizing the IAT, we aim to:
- Enhance consistency in assessments to ensure individuals with similar needs receive equivalent services.
- Assist assessors in customizing service recommendations and referrals based on each person’s unique needs.
- Allow older individuals and their families to share their story only once.
Enhanced assurance and accountability measures will be implemented to support the Single Assessment System, ensuring that Commonwealth funding for aged care is directed towards those in need, providing the community with confidence in the allocation of resources.
What are the next steps in the implementation of the Single Assessment System?
The initial phase involves introducing the Integrated Assessment Tool (IAT) as the primary tool for assessing older individuals for in-home aged care programs and residential care. This will be carried out by the existing Aged Care Assessment Team (ACAT) and Regional Assessment Service (RAS) organizations.
By late 2024, the ACAT, RAS, and Australian National Aged Care Classification (AN-ACC) workforces will merge to form the Single Assessment Workforce. This unified workforce will be responsible for implementing the Single Assessment System across the aged care sector.