An Evaluation of the Use of Self-Assessment for the Provision of Community Equipment and Adaptations in English Local Authorities

Abstract

Introduction: The Government plans to transform adult social care in England. Future services will place more emphasis on prevention and enablement, and promoting personalisation and choice. Self-assessment is one possible facilitator of this agenda. However, little is known about its utility in social care. This evaluation examined how eight local authorities employed self-assessment in the provision of community equipment and adaptations, and explored the implications for service delivery. Method: A multiple case study was employed, using a mixed methods approach. This drew on internal documents, management interviews, and service user and administrative records. Findings: Self-assessment was primarily used to facilitate service access. Although the authorities differed in the way in which they operationalised self-assessment, professional staff were almost always involved. The differences between people receiving self and traditional assessments were modest, but the people undertaking self-assessments in preventative services formed a particularly healthy subgroup. There was little consensus about the items suitable for provision through self-assessment. Conclusion: The concept of self-assessment was variously interpreted and not all its possible uses were explored. Nevertheless, the evaluation suggested that self-assessment can facilitate access to community equipment and adaptations and has the potential to extend the population traditionally served by social care services, thereby addressing the preventative agenda.