What are the aims of SMART?

• provide an accurate and cost-effective approach to the assessment and treatment of adults diagnosed as in a vegetative or minimally conscious state
• supply an extensive battery of standardised assessments built on evidence-based practice, covering all the sensory modalities
• add accuracy to the assessment process through the involvement of the family, friends, carers and the multidisciplinary team and enable a co-ordinated approach to patient-management
• provide a 24-hour approach to assessment
• ensure that any signs of awareness in the VS patient are identified
• ensure the MCS patient’s functional and communication abilities are recognised and fully explored
• provide clear treatment guidelines to ensure the patient’s potential abilities are optimised
• provide a clear measure of outcome and changes over time
• provide both measurable quantitative feedback of assessment results for case conferences and reports; and meaningful qualitative feedback of response for family and carers to guide future intervention planning
• enhance quality of life and opportunity for life choices for low awareness patients
• provide a co-ordinated, cost-effective approach to the management of the patient by identifying those patients who will benefit from rehabilitation programmes.