In healthcare, different professionals have different roles. HCAs observe and report changes. Other professionals, such as nurses and physicians, perform assessments and make diagnoses. Understanding these differences helps everyone work together to support the client.

This module will help HCAs understand the difference between observation, assessment, and diagnosis, and explain how HCAs contribute to the healthcare team

By the end of this module, the HCA should be able to:

• Describe the role of the HCA in observing, documenting, and reporting changes in a client’s condition within their scope of practice.
• Explain the difference between observation, assessment, and diagnosis.
• Identify various healthcare professionals who are responsible for assessments and diagnoses.
• Describe how HCA observations support the healthcare team in providing safe and effective care.