A communication theory of measurement in human service settings. The CANS is a multiple purpose information integration tool that is designed to be the output of an assessment process. Since the primary purpose of this tool is to better communicate with all parties involved in care, CANS is based on communication theory rather than psychometric theories of measure. The CANS philosophy includes six key principles to help you use the tool. 6 principles: 1. Each item is selected because it is relevant to the decision-making process. Only relevant information is included. 2. The level of each item translates into levels of action. The measure must not be arbitrary, everything has an immediate meaning and the meaning relevant to future action. 3. Describe the need, not the fact, which you are addressing. It is about the person, not the person in care. 4. Consider culture and development of the individual prior to establishing the level of measurement. 5. Items found in the CANS tool are descriptions and generally do not include attributions of cause. 6. Time frames for measurement are defined (30 days, 3 mos., 6 mos.) for relevance of observing change. A communication theory of measurement in human service settings. The CANS is a multiple purpose information integration tool that is designed to be the output of an assessment process. Since the primary purpose of this tool is to better communicate with all parties involved in care, CANS is based on communication theory rather than psychometric theories of measure. The CANS philosophy includes six key principles to help you use the tool. 6 principles: 1. Each item is selected because it is relevant to the decision-making process. Only relevant information is included. 2. The level of each item translates into levels of action. The measure must not be arbitrary, everything has an immediate meaning and the meaning relevant to future action. 3. Describe the need, not the fact, which you are addressing. It is about the person, not the person in care. 4. Consider culture and development of the individual prior to establishing the level of measurement. 5. Items found in the CANS tool are descriptions and generally do not include attributions of cause. 6. Time frames for measurement are defined (30 days, 3 mos., 6 mos.) for relevance of observing change.