What is the purpose of Resident Assessment Protocols (RAPs)?

The purpose of Resident Assessment Protocols (RAPs) is to guide care planning based on specific problems. RAPs are detailed guideline tools used in long-term care settings to evaluate the needs of residents and to identify specific issues that may need further attention. They are designed to help care providers gather pertinent information about a resident’s status and to focus on particular areas of concern that can influence individual care plans. By identifying these specific problems, care teams can develop tailored interventions and approaches to enhance the resident’s quality of life and health outcomes.

While dietary preferences and recreational activities are important aspects of care, they are not the primary focus of RAPs. Likewise, while encouraging resident-centered care is a valuable goal in health services, the fundamental function of RAPs is the structured and comprehensive assessment that directly informs care planning.