Atos Healthcare - ESA staff training and developement handbook [PDF][dazz1]

This training has been produced as part of a Continuing Medical Education programme for health care professionals approved by the Department for Work and Pensions Chief Medical Adviser to carry out medical assessments.

All health care professionals undertaking medical assessments must be registered medical or nursing practitioners who in addition, have undergone
training in disability assessment medicine. The training includes theory training in
a classroom setting, supervised practical training, and a demonstration of understanding as assessed by quality audit.

This training must be read with the understanding that, as experienced medical or nursing practitioners, the health care professionals will have detailed knowledge of the principles and practice of relevant diagnostic techniques and therefore such information is not contained in this guidance.

In addition, the training module is not a stand-alone document, and forms only a part of the training and written documentation that a health care professional receives.

As disability assessment is a practical occupation, much of the guidance also involves verbal information and coaching.

Thus, although the training module may be of interest to non-medical readers, it must be remembered that some of the information may not be readily understood without background medical knowledge and an awareness of the other training
given to Health Care Professionals.