How to use it?

The IOM checklist can be used at various stages in the diagnostic process:

  • At the start, to review where there are bottlenecks, and to which other elements these bottlenecks are related
  • During the analysis, to check whether the fact-finding and analysis are still balanced in terms of focus and comprehensiveness
  • At the time of assessment, to order and interpret the collected information

Requirements and limitations

The checklist is not complete. It raises common as well as often overlooked issues, but does not cover everything that could possibly be relevant about the various IOM elements. Moreover it does not give insight in which elements and aspects are crucial under particular circumstances. It should therefore support rather than replace common sense thinking.