What is interRAI?

interRAI is a well-tested and researched assessment tool used in Aotearoa New Zealand. It helps people access the services they need while helping health and sector professionals find out more about the needs of all New Zealanders.

The aggregated and anonymised data (when everyone’s information is pulled together into relevant groups and personal identifiers removed) obtained from interRAI is also used by planners and others for decision making and for the allocation of funding and resources. You can actually see this information yourself on the interRAI Data Visualisation tool.

The interRAI assessments currently being used in Aotearoa New Zealand are:

• Contact Assessment: a brief assessment to prioritise needs and establish a health and wellbeing baseline 
• Home Care assessment: an in-depth assessment focused on supporting a person at home
• Community Health Assessment: a modular in-depth assessment focused on supporting a person at home. Modules (e.g., mental health) can be added as required
• Long Term Care Facilities assessment: an assessment for people who live in aged residential care
• Acute Care assessment: an assessment used in hospitals, focused on rehabilitation needs.
• Palliative Care assessment: an assessment used in aged care, hospice care or in the community, focused on palliative care needs.

Assessments in pilot:

• Community Mental Health assessment an in-depth assessment focused on supporting adults with mental health needs.
• Check-up Self-Report assessment a brief self-reported assessment completed by adults living in the community.