S.M.A.R.T

Elderly patient sleeping in a bed.

The SMART (Sensory Modality Assessment and Rehabilitation Technique) assessment and treatment tool was created in order to establish alertness in vegetative or minimally conscious state following severe injury to the brain.

The SMART was developed in 2004 by two occupational therapists working in a Neuro-disability setting. An occupational therapist is required to become an accredited assessor of SMART in order to be able to practice the technique.

The formal smart process begins with ten assessments over a period of two to three weeks. This assessment is followed by eight weeks of treatment. The patient would then be re-assessed.

Why was it created?

The SMART was designed in order to enable the multi-disciplinary team to treat a patient who is potentially difficult to diagnose.

SMART aims:

  • To explore all potential for communication and functional motor ability.
  • To assess the patient's level of sensory responses.
  • To assess the patient's level of motor function.
  • To assess the patient's level of information processing and therefore providing evidence of awareness.

If you would like to find out more about our SMART service please call Manchester OT on 0161 883 0088.

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