Module 2: PDOC Assessors Course Attainment of PDOC Assessors Skills and SMART Assessor Course

Tuesday 1 – Thursday 3 October 2024

Online Training Course via Zoom

This course is for senior neurological clinicians (occupational therapists, physiotherapists, Speech and language therapists, clinical psychologists, nurses, and doctors) and will enable the delegate to meet the person specification for PDOC assessors as outlined in the RCP guidelines (2020) once competency in specific PDOC assessments is met. The delegate will further develop their skills and knowledge of PDOC and the SMART investigative process, gain skills in the analysis of the investigative process, identifying where the client is currently placed on the diagnostic spectrum and possess the skills to create a bespoke intervention plan.

The SMART (Sensory Modality & Rehabilitation Technique) is a standardised investigative and assessment tool specially designed for patients with prolonged disorders of consciousness (PDOC). SMART is recommended as a tool of choice in the Royal College of Physicians (RCP) Guidelines 2020.

Education courses linked to Module 2

To meet the requirements PDOC Assessor the delegate may choose to attend:

• Module 1: PDOC Assessors Course – Advancement of MDT Skills in the Observation and Analysis of Behavioural Responses (Recommended to attend before attending Module 2)
• Module 3: PDOC Assessors Course – Refining Assessment, Observation and Goal Setting Skills and Implementation of Intervention and Management Strategies course. (Recommended to attend after attending Module 1 and 2)

Following completion of the training the delegate will be required to complete one clinical SMART assessment, with full support from a mentor, to complete the SMART accreditation process.

The SMART Manual, Technique Guidebook and all forms are provided free of charge. Re-accreditation is required every five years.

SMART Course Overview
Person-Specification – SMART Courses

Learning and teaching methods

This course is an intensive programme of interactive lectures, group work and practical sessions. The delegate will apply learning through the completion of the paperwork, data analysis and report template using a fictitious case study.

Lead Facilitators

Helen Gill-Thwaites MBE and Dr Karen Elliott
SMART Developers & Consultants

Cost £600 (early bird rate £550 until 30 March 2024)

Please review the Person Specification above to assess your suitability for the course.  If you are suitable and wish to book, please email institute@rhn.org.uk and we will process your booking.