Nova South Eastern University OTs come to Active Mobility Center

On Monday, we welcomed nearly 40 second year Occupational Therapy Students for a morning Seating and Mobility training.  Each year, we host this training to provide a glimpse into the world of complex rehab and assistive technology equipment.  We divided the group in to four groups and created stations including; Insurance Coverage and the process of getting equipment, manual wheelchairs and scooters, seating and positioning, and powered wheelchairs.

With smaller groups, the OTs were able to ask questions and interact with each presentation. At the Insurance coverage session, the groups heard how complicated the process is. There are many changes in health care that make the intake, insurance verification and needed documentation a specialized process. The groups were disappointed in learning that the complex rehab process can take 2-4 months for patients to receive their permanent equipment.

At the manual wheelchair and scooter group, they learned about standard through ultra light wheelchairs, about tilt in space and recliners, and the differences in scooters. The groups were fascinated on how the process to determine the equipment was more involved that thought. They had not learned about competitive bidding and how it is negatively affecting individuals needing this type of equipment.

The groups learned about how many different types of foam cushions, contoured cushions, and molded seating types there were. Some were overwhelmed not sure how they could ever grasp how much information, and options were available.

In the powered wheelchair group, the students were shown the different types of powered wheelchairs, different ways to control them, powered seating systems and were able to trial driving these chairs; including a stand and drive permobil. 

Concluding the program we discussed how important the team (physician, therapy staff, equipment provider, individual and caregivers) is in equipment provision.  We discussed how the physician initiates and drives the process; however the PT and OT are just as important, and in some cases more important.  We discussed the importance of a good dialogue on the history of the patient, their past equipment experience, patient environment, patient dimensions, patient goals, and caregiver needs.  It is critically important to gather this information, and openly discuss the options to ensure that the patient is satisfied and that their life is improved. What is selected and provided affects that patient for a minimum of five years. 

It was impressed on these students, that if they find themselves helping someone with complex rehab, that they seek assistance if they are unsure of what best resolves the needs.  We explained that ego's should be checked at the door as the process is not for us, but the individual needing this equipment.  We suggested that once they find a position that they find a peer mentor to help them. Additionally they should find a RESNA and/or NRRTS registered provider to be part of their seating and mobility team/program.

Although many of these OTs may never be involved with Complex Rehab Equipment, they now have some basic knowledge, were give some valuable tools and have  a better respect for Complex Rehab Equipment.

This article was provided by Carey Britton, Seating and Mobility Specialist for Active Mobility Center located in Pompano Beach, Florida. Carey can be reached at 954-946-5793 or at cbritton@wheelchairguys.com .