Non-psychologist practitioners’ views of cognitive assessment reports: An evaluation of a learning disability child and adolescent mental health service

Abstract

This report details a service evaluation for a learning disability child and adolescent mental health service. The project aimed to explore nonpsychologist healthcare professionals’ views of the accessibility and utility of cognitive assessment reports produced in the service. Semistructured interviews were conducted with eight healthcare professionals. Thematic analysis identified three themes: value of reports, readability, and acknowledging multiple audiences, each with supplementary subthemes. The following were recommended: shorter reports; simpler language; examples and recommendations pertinent and applicable to individual clients (supported by the case holder if the assessor is unfamiliar with the client); visual information to support written text; assessor to provide verbal feedback in addition to the written report; main report should contain information most pertinent to families and professionals: the clients’ level of functioning/abilities and recommended interventions, whilst the appendix should contain supplementary information such as scoring and performance on individual subtests.