5. Correspondence and documentation

You can manage potential risks by continuously asking yourself:

• What can go wrong?
• Am I certain that I am aware of all possible risks?
• What will I do to prevent each risk?
• What will I do to handle the risk if the risky event happens?

As an AHA, you must document any incidents, observations or concerns and discuss these with your supervising AHP.  In workplaces where reports such as incident reports or progress notes are in hard copy, make sure your handwriting is neat and easy to read. It’s also important that reports are written in clear English and in black pen.

Here is a list of some of the types of documents you may use as an AHA in a health or community setting:

• case or progress notes
• individual care plans
• exercise program records
  
• incident and hazard reports
• handover/referral from an AHP
• handover to an AHP
• equipment loan and purchase records
• attendance records.