Maximizing Independent Function: The Interdisciplinary Approach to Evaluating Physical, Cognitive, and Visual Perceptual Skills When Building a Custom Seating and Positioning System
By Hosack, Kenneth R.; Gilinsky, Gail; Smith, Cindy; Cody, Pat; Rehab Management,Publication Date: March 2010
Article discusses the process of seating and positioning in spinal cord injury (SCI) and traumatic brain injury (TBI) for the goal of maximizing independent function. The process entails (1) a comprehensive evaluation of the patient’s physical, cognitive, and visual perceptual skills; (2) seating and positioning by an interdisciplinary team including patient’s primary physical and occupational therapists, who prescribe the equipment that is ultimately chosen, and consultants well versed in the equipment available in the marketplace; (3) fitting of patient in a trial wheelchair reasonably approximating the type of chair the patient will likely need at home after discharge; (4) considerations for final equipment decisions, including home and work environments, transportation, and patient’s function, posture, skin condition, pain, and mobility, to be discussed in the seating and positioning clinic by the patient, family, primary OT and PT, and the seating and positioning specialists; (5) pressure mapping by a therapist experienced in interpreting pressure maps, to provide patients with information about weight shift effectiveness, risks of habitual postures, and importance of wheelchair cushion selection, positioning, and maintenance; and (6) collaboration with vendors experienced in wheelchair equipment, to promote the efficiency of ordering, prescription submittals, financial authorization, and manufacturing time frames. This process should result in patients being discharged to home with their own customized equipment.
Published by: Ascend Media LLC (Website:http://www.ascendmedia.com)
Link to text: http://www.rehabpub.com/issues/articles/2010-03_01.asp
