At Partners in Canadian Veterans Rehabilitation Services (PCVRS), we believe your rehabilitation services should be coordinated, supportive, and clear.

That’s why we start with an interprofessional assessment to determine your holistic rehabilitation needs. In an interprofessional assessment, you will meet with multiple Rehabilitation Service Professionals (RSPs) to get a complete picture of your current health, abilities, and goals. It may include multiple appointments over one or two days depending on the availability of RSPs, your needs, and schedule.

What is an interprofessional assessment?

An interprofessional assessment is when members of your rehabilitation team such as an occupational therapist, physiotherapist, psychologist, and physician work together to assess your rehabilitation needs. This can occur in person, virtually or a mix of both.

With an interprofessional approach, your RSPs work together in a way that fully supports you. Your RSP team collaborates directly with each other, bringing their rehabilitation expertise together to form a Rehabilitation Plan that addresses your needs. It simplifies your rehabilitation journey, making it easier to see how every recommendation and service fits into your Rehabilitation Plan.

Everyone - including you - works together to understand your needs and improve your functioning at home, in the community and at work.

Why is it important?

An interprofessional assessment identifies the most accurate and well-rounded understanding of your rehabilitation needs.

An interprofessional assessment helps:

• Identify how different areas of your life and health connect, such as how pain affects mood or mobility affects independence
• Create a Rehabilitation Plan that reflects the insights of multiple RSPs
• Reduce gaps or overlaps in care
• Support evidence-based recommendations for rehabilitation services

For you, this means a smoother process, fewer appointments, and a Rehabilitation Plan that’s realistic, personalized, and aligned with your goals.

What Happens During the Assessment?

Your assessment is unique to you and your eligible health problems. Interprofessional assessments can occur over one or two days. This will depend on availability and your tolerance. Interprofessional assessments are typically held in a comfortable clinic setting, virtually, or a hybrid model.
Here’s an idea of what you can expect:

1. Welcome and Introduction

You’ll be introduced to your team, which may include multiple RSPs. They will explain what to expect during the assessment and answer any questions you may have.

2. Interviews and Conversations

Each RSP will ask you about your health history, current challenges, lifestyle, and personal goals related to the services they provide. This is your time to share what matters most to you, whether it's returning to work, being more active with your family, or managing day-to-day tasks more easily.

3. Hands-On Assessments

Depending on your needs, you may be asked to:

• Complete mobility or strength tasks
• Participate in cognitive or emotional health check-ins
• Complete functional tasks
• Talk about how pain, fatigue, or mental health symptoms affect your daily life

The RSPs will observe and take notes to understand your abilities in a real and practical way.

4. Team Collaboration

Then, your rehabilitation team will consult with each other on the best approach for your rehabilitation focused care. They’ll look at the whole picture, not just individual symptoms, and consider how everything fits together.

After your assessment, your RSS will develop a personalized Rehabilitation Plan. They'll review it with you to ensure you understand and are comfortable with the approach.

What Happens After the Assessment?

After your interprofessional assessment, the team will put together a detailed report that outlines:

• Your current level of function and well-being
• Clinical recommendations, such as interprofessional care, physiotherapy, psychological support, or adaptive strategies
• Clear next steps for your rehabilitation journey to support your goals

Why It Matters?

Your health and quality of life deserve a team approach, one that includes rehabilitation experts who listen and work together to support you. An interprofessional assessment is a foundation for your rehabilitation progress. Whether you're just starting out or adjusting your current Rehabilitation Plan, an interprofessional assessment helps make sure that everyone is on the same page, including you.