Pre-Symposium Courses at European Seating Symposium 2007
Assessment for Power Mobility and Prescription
Presented by Jacqueline Macauley, P.T.
Eighteen years experience as physical therapist in a wide variety of settings. Last ten years specialising in neurological rehabilitation.
Special emphasis in spinal cord injury, wheelchair, seating / positioning prescription.
Bachelor of Science with Honors in Physiotherapy. University of Ulster, Belfast, Northern Ireland.
Length - All day
Level - Beginner - Advanced
Course description
This comprehensive course is structured to cover all aspects of the selection and use of power wheelchairs and components. It is designed to demystify the power prescription evaluation, by presenting a series of steps that will systematically walk you through the decision making process with the goal of matching technology available to the physical, medical, functional and environmental needs of the client. The course content begins by first determining “who is appropriate for power”. The importance of seating, the need for dynamic seating, wheelchair bases, drive wheel position, choosing input devices and electronics will then be discussed. New technologies to highlight interfacing with assistive technology and EADL’s will be introduced.
Special emphasis will be placed on clinical justification and practical application as each step is considered.
Following this session, therapists and suppliers will be confident in appropriately assessing for and prescribing power mobility.
Objectives:
Upon completion of this course participants will have a clear and practical understanding of power mobility and will be able to:
Identify who is appropriate for power mobility
Explain the relationship between optimal postural support and functional performance.
Clinically justify dynamic seating
Define the differences between the drive wheel positions, translating this knowledge to clinical and functional relevance
Describe wheelchair base technology in terms of performance and safety
Discuss features and use of electronics packages and components
Integrate clinical and technological factors at every step of the evaluation process
Other courses at European Seating Symposium 2007:
Practical Pressure Management by the Healthcare Team:
Issues of the Seating Interface and Heels
Clinical Application of Interface Pressure Mapping
Ultralight / Sports Manual Wheelchairs:
Best Clinical Practice for Optimal Client Outcomes