Probability

In some cases, there may be sufficient information on the majority of activities, but small gaps on some activities that it has not been possible to fill by obtaining further information or contacting the individual. You will be able to determine if there are gaps in the information they need by considering the eligibility criteria and the descriptors.

Where there are gaps in information in this way, the case manager can consider if, based on the information they do have, on the balance of probabilities, it is likely that other facts also apply to the client.

What to consider on the balance of probabilities

If looking to fill gaps in the information in this way you should consider:

• the disability or condition
• the treatment (if relevant)
• the information they have about the individual’s needs

This information can be used to decide if, on balance, a certain fact is likely to apply to the client. A decision based on the ‘balance of probabilities’ means that it is more probable than not. In considering this we can ask ‘is it more likely than not that this fact applies to the client?’

Record in justifications

If looking to fill gaps in the facts for the client in this way, using the balance of probabilities, you should record the detail of this and the information they have used to reach their conclusion in their justifications.

The balance of probability when choosing a descriptor

There will also be a role for an assessment of the balance of probability when choosing which descriptor applies to the client. The descriptor which is chosen for the client for a given day must be the one which the client is considered to satisfy in terms of the reliability criteria. If it is possible that multiple descriptors may meet this criteria on a given day, an assessment will need to be made on the balance of probabilities, which is the most likely to apply. Again, you should record the detail of this and the information they have used to reach their conclusion in their justifications.