Implementation of interRAI
 
InterRAI is a comprehensive validated geriatric assessment system. InterRAI is used primarily as a clinical tool designed to assess the medical, rehabilitation and support requirements of an older person to help them continue to live well in their own homes.
 
The national implementation of the two interRAI includes the Whanganui District Health Board. This is part of mandated Ministry of Health roll out through until 2012 to improve the assessment of the elderly.
 
The two tools are:
 
The MDS-HC Minimum Data set Home Care- a full assessment encompassing 30 overall health needs such as vision, continence, nutrition, health prevention.
 
The CA - Contact Assessment- a short screen covering the three main areas of urgency, complexity and rehabilitation potential.
 
InterRAI will replace the current values-based narrative assessment called the Support Needs Assessment Form (SNAF) undertaken by hospitals’ Assessment, Treatment & Rehabilitation and Access Ability for people (generally) over 65 years who may need  long-term support services.
 
The following websites are available for further information on the interRAI.
 
www.interrai.org
www.interrai-au.org
 
Jennie Fowler is the Lead Practitioner for interRAI for WDHB. One of Jennie’s key roles will be teaching assessors and users of the tool on how to interpret and read the information collected.
 
The roll out of the interRAI tool is a phased approach over the next 14 months as clinicians are trained and the processes are embedded in an approach designed to minimise disruption to patients, their families and staff.