Phase 2 Identify: initial ideas about the concern
This involves using the gathered information to spot potential problem areas and formulate an evolving initial hypothesis, which serves as a groundwork for further exploration and comprehension, rather than a definite diagnosis.
- consider the information you have gathered from everyone.
- using the identifying tool, found in the EBSA toolkit systematically review the information to identify potential problem areas according to the 5 P’s (presenting factors; predisposing factors; precipitating factors; perpetuating factors; and protective factors).
- as new information is gathered and interventions are implemented, the hypothesis will evolve and become more refined.
This initial hypothesis is not a diagnosis or definitive conclusion, but a starting point for further investigation and understanding.
It is important to remember that the 5 P’s are there to structure the information gathering and are not terms that would be used directly with children, young people or their families. When discussing this aspect of the pathway the identifying visual tool can be used to support these discussions and prevent the potential for families to feel overwhelmed by the discussions.