How does SMART work?

An accredited SMART assessor conducts a ten-session formal assessment of the patient within a three-week period, using a range of techniques to analyse and record  their behavioural repertoire and responses to a multi sensory programme.

The clinician observes and categorises  the patients range of  behaviours at rest and carefully  records responses to an extensive range of standardised sensory stimulation techniques. These  focuse on vision, hearing, taste, touch and smell) in order to establish functional ability, communication ability and level of wakefulness. The wide range and high frequency of these assessments offer the patient the best possible opportunity to demonstrate their potential, and ensure that the quality and meaning of the patient’s responses – as well as changes over time – are interpreted with a high level of accuracy to produce a suggestive diagnosis.

A unique feature of SMART is the involvement of relatives, friends, carers and other members of the multidisciplinary team. Their valuable feedback and continual observation of day-to-day behaviours are incorporated into the final analysis, helping the assessor to design a systematic, individualised treatment programme to optimise the patient’s potential and determine whether further rehabilitation is appropriate.