Explain why risk-assessments need to be regularly revised

Qualification: Level 3 Diploma in Adult Care
Unit name: Implement person-centred approaches in care settings
Learning outcome: 7. Understand the role of risk-assessment in enabling a person-centred approach
Assessment criteria: 7.3 Explain why risk-assessments need to be regularly revised

Risk assessments should be monitored and regularly reviewed and revised. The frequency of the review period will vary between risk assessments depending on a few factors.

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If the circumstances of a risk assessment are likely to change frequently, then it should be reviewed frequently. For example, if an elderly individual is approaching the end of life and deteriorating rapidly, their risk assessment will need to be updated often (perhaps monthly or even weekly) as they become less independent.

If a risk assessment is new and there are several unknown variables, again the review date should be frequent so that it can be updated as new information and insights are gained. For example, a new risk assessment may be scheduled to be reviewed in a month to check its efficacy. If it is appraised to be working well, then the new review date may be set for 6 months or a year’s time. If it is not working well, then revisions can be made and a review date set for another one month.

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Risk assessments will also need to be updated in response to events. For example, if there is an accident or near-miss it could indicate that the risk assessment is not working. Changes to legislation or best practice may also incite a revision.

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