AbstractAlthough much has been written about the concept of assessment, there is still no clear consensus on the characteristics of good practice. Moreover, recent studies have highlighted the fact that frameworks for assessment are often heavily influenced by particular professional perspectives, and consequently the holistic assessment of need envisaged in the National Health Service (NHS) and Community Care Act 1990 has yet to emerge. This paper identifies some of the contradictions inherent in the practice guidance relating to assessment and discusses the results of early evaluations of the implementation of the new assessment process. A possible model to structure this process is outlined and suggestions made as to the benchmarks of good assessment practice.
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