interRAI Implementation Toolkit
About the Integrated interRAI Reporting System (IRRS)
CIHI has modernized the collection of data with the development of the Integrated interRAI Reporting System (IRRS, pronounced “iris”). IRRS captures comprehensive, standardized data about a person’s functioning, cognition, quality of life, services received and clinical management to support point-of-care, organizational and system decisions. IRRS offers near real-time validation, which improves quality and timeliness of data on all levels.
About interRAI assessments
interRAI assessments are used by health organizations to assess people at the point of care, generating real-time electronic reports that flag risks and inform care planning.
For more information, visit our web page Understanding interRAI LTCF, interRAI HC and interRAI CA.
Want a quick overview?
CIHI’s video Using the interRAI Assessment System provides a high-level look at how the system works to provide quality care across the continuum.
What you’ll find
This toolkit provides important information related to the implementation of interRAI assessments and IRRS. Many sections of the toolkit focus on a specific step in the implementation process, and the toolkit includes information such as
- Suggested activities to help you move forward
- Ideas on how CIHI can help you achieve your objectives
- Links to helpful resources, such as web pages and videos
This toolkit is a collection of practical resources that your health care organization can use when implementing an interRAI assessment system. It is designed for
- Front-line assessors and clinicians
- Clinical educators
- Decision-support analysts
- Managers and administrators
- Quality managers
- Project managers
- Ministry officials
Understand interRAI
Understanding interRAI LTCF, interRAI HC and interRAI CA.
Get ready
Introduction to preparing clients to transition to interRAI and IRRS.
Get started
Workflow-related items that an organization will need to address as it begins to implement the interRAI assessment system.
Choose a vendor
Introduction to choosing a software vendor for your interRAI implementation.
Submit your data
Information about submitting interRAI assessment data to CIHI.
Use your information
Introduction to using interRAI information to inform decision-making.
Resources
Explore resources related to interRAI LTCF, interRAI HC, interRAI CA and IRRS.
The CIHI/interRAI partnership
CIHI has a long-standing partnership with interRAI, an international research network committed to developing clinical standards across a variety of health and social services settings.
Disclaimer and copyright
CIHI’s interRAI Implementation Toolkit is designed to be a helpful resource for health care organizations that are implementing an interRAI assessment system.
The toolkit is not meant to be prescriptive. Rather, it offers practical suggestions for organizations to consider. These suggestions are offered as is and without guarantees of any kind.
The copyrights in all interRAI assessment instruments belong to interRAI. The following interRAI user manuals are available for purchase through the interRAI Catalog.
- interRAI Long-Term Care Facilities (LTCF) Assessment Form and User’s Manual, Canadian Edition, 9.1.4
- interRAI Home Care (HC) Assessment Form and User’s Manual, Canadian English Edition, 9.1.4
- interRAI Contact Assessment (CA) Form and User’s Manual: A Screening Level Assessment for Intake to Home and Community Care, interRAI Standard Edition, Version 10.0.1
Contact us
For general questions
For clinical questions
How to cite:
Canadian Institute for Health Information. interRAI Implementation Toolkit. Accessed April 27, 2025.
If you would like CIHI information in a different format, visit our Accessibility page.