Use of the Guidelines during DAME examinations
The DAME Clinical Practice Guidelines provide a source of guidance to DAMEs. The Guidelines describe CASA's expectations about how certain medical issues or matters are to be approached and examined by the DAME.
The information provided in the Guidelines is generic and indicative only. However, subject to this limitation, a DAME delegate must reasonably follow the Guidelines and take them into account in assessing an application (his or her decision-making for the issue of Class 2).
The Guidelines are organised with a separate medical condition on each page and the initial view is alphabetical.
Each Guideline provides DAMEs with advice on clinical matters and the range of information to be considered by the DAME about the particular medical condition and how it is best approached to enable timely and effective decision making. Also provided are sections on indicative outcomes and information that can be useful for the applicant to know.
Use of the Guidelines during the DAME assessment process
Before making a medical assessment of an applicant, the DAME must first consider all of the information in the Guidelines as it applies to the applicant's medical conditions.
DAMEs should use the applicant data recording forms also available with the Guidelines [eg headache questionnaire]. This ensures complete and consistent history taking in the recording of more complex conditions.
DAMEs may also refer to CASA at an early stage for advice or clarification. A good initial decision is preferable to correcting mistakes.