The Stanmore Nursing Assessment of Psychological Status (SNAPS) Manual 2016

The Stanmore Nursing Assessment of Psychological Status (SNAPS) has been developed to enhance patient assessment and care planning. It covers 8 areas of potential need: positive motivation, fear/anxiety, sadness, burden, relationships with family, relationships with staff, irritability/hostility/anger and withdrawal/isolation/disengagement. These are sensitive areas and it is important to create the right environment in which to conduct the assessment to build trust and confidence. Attention to privacy is important, as is using the protected nursing time on the ward so that you can sit down with the patient and give them your full attention in an unpressurised way. Only by doing this are you likely to get a frank response.

It suggests observations you may make and questions that you may ask in relation to specific items. It alsoprovidessome suggested “actions” for each item.

REMEMBER: Simply by showing interest in your patient and listening to them you have done a lot to help already. It is always helpful for patients to talk, even if this brings strong feelings or tears or annoying behaviour sometimes.