As an independent case manager, I often find that clients are unsure of what to expect from an Initial Needs Assessment (INA) and how to prepare for it. The INA is a vital part of the rehabilitation process, helping to assess your current situation and plan for the support you need moving forward. To ensure you get the most out of your INA, here are five essential things you can do to prepare.

1. Gather Relevant Medical Documents
One of the most important things you can do before your INA is to gather all relevant medical documents. These may include:
Hospital discharge summaries
Surgery reports
Physiotherapy or rehabilitation notes
Prescription records
Any letters or notes from your GP or specialists
Having these documents available helps me understand your medical history, the treatments you’ve received, and any ongoing health concerns. It also ensures that the assessment is fully informed and accurate, leading to better recommendations for your rehabilitation plan.
2. Reflect on Your Day-to-Day Challenges
During the INA, I’ll be looking at how your injury or illness affects your daily life. To make this process smoother, spend some time reflecting on:
What tasks or activities are particularly challenging for you?
How has your injury impacted your mobility, ability to work, or mental health?
Are there any changes to your sleep patterns, pain levels, or emotional well-being?
By having these details ready, you’ll be able to provide a clear picture of your current situation, which will help me identify the right interventions for your recovery.
3. Think About Your Short- and Long-Term Goals
One of the key aspects of an INA is setting goals for your rehabilitation. It’s helpful to think ahead about what you want to achieve in the short and long term. For example:
Do you want to return to work?
Are you hoping to regain mobility or physical strength?
Is improving your mental health a priority?
Setting clear goals allows me to develop a rehabilitation plan that focuses on what matters most to you. It also ensures that we can measure progress over time and make adjustments to your plan as needed.
4. Consider Your Support Network
Your support network plays an important role in your recovery. During the INA, we’ll discuss who is currently helping you, whether it's family, friends, or healthcare professionals. Consider the following:
Who helps you with daily tasks or emotional support?
Are there any gaps in the support you’re receiving?
What additional help do you feel you need?
This will allow me to assess whether additional services or support structures need to be put in place as part of your rehabilitation plan.
5. Be Ready to Discuss Your Medical History and Lifestyle
The INA takes a holistic approach, looking at all aspects of your life. Be ready to discuss:a
Any pre-existing medical conditions
Your lifestyle before the injury (e.g. work, hobbies, exercise)
How your injury has changed your ability to engage in these activities
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