Monday 14th September 2009, 09.30 - 16.30
Presenter: Sharon Pratt, PT

(Register here to attend the Course, fee: €120)

Course description

This comprehensive and interactive seating program is designed to provide immediately applicable concepts to anyone involved in the assessment and prescription of seating and mobility technology. The focus of discussion in this course will be on principles and biomechanics of seating and the ssessment process from initial client contact through the final equipment prescription. Special emphasis will be placed on the “hands on” seating assessment as well as on how to translate the assessment findings into generic product parameters.

We will challenge ourselves with the question - “do we react to symptoms or are we actually analyzing the cause for some of the presenting postures we see everyday?” Examples and interactive discussion will take participants through a process that will be most helpful as we strive to justify and be accountable for everything prescribed. This course will facilitate critical thinking and assist therapists in confident decision-making, clear documentation and positive objective outcomes.

Course objectives

Upon completion of this course participants will have a clear and practical understanding of and will be able to:
• Discuss the goals of seating and mobility
• Explain optimal vs. deviated postures and their relationship with function
• Identify symptoms versus actual causes...
• Explain the relationship between posture and skin
• Discuss best practices in the management of decubitus ulcers related to seating
• Demonstrate “The mat assessment” - supine and sitting
• Explain the importance of accurate measuring technique
• Formulate the assessment findings to develop objectives
• Translate assessment findings into cushion and back support parameters

Agenda

09:30 - 9:45
Introductions, review agenda and materials
Goals of seating and mobility

09:45 - 10:30
Think about and analyze the footprint of seating

10:30- 10:45
Break

10:45 - 11.15
Consider symptoms that we react to every day
Normal vs. deviated postures and their relationship with function and skin

11.15 - 11:30
Brief review

11:30 - 12:30
The etiology and best practices in the management of decubitus ulcers
Are we identifying “at risk” clients?

12:30 - 13:30
Lunch

13:30 - 14:45
“The mat assessment” - supine and sitting: demonstration
Hands on Lab (if environment is suitable) - Participants will do evaluations
on each other if space permits

14:45 - 15:15
Understanding the dimensions we commonly measure
Are we asking for what we really want?
Hand on lab (bring a measuring tape) if space permits

15:15 - 15:30
Translating assessment findings into product parameters
Thinking about cushions and back supports

15:30 - 15:45
Break

15:45 - 16:15 Translating assessment findings... (Cont)

16:15 - 16:30
Questions and wrap up

Sharon Pratt's biography