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How to Prescribe Assistive Technology

Do you feel pressured to "just write a letter" for equipment funding without doing a proper assessment? Or are you worried your prescribed equipment will end up abandoned in a corner? Discover the comprehensive step-by-step process for prescribing Assistive Technology (AT) that ensures your clients get exactly what they need.

Episode Summary: In this episode of the How to Be a Better OT podcast, host Clare Batkin tackles the essential core skill of prescribing Assistive Technology (AT). Whether it is a simple shower chair or a more complex mobility scooter, Clare breaks down an 8-step framework inspired by the best practices recommendations of Australian OT researcher Dr. Natasha Layton. She walks you through everything from identifying the true functional goal using the HAAT model, to managing equipment trials, navigating complex funding applications, and preventing AT abandonment through proper follow-up and evaluation.

Key Takeaways:

• Identifying the Goal: Learn why you must focus on the functional issue rather than jumping straight to the equipment. Discover how to use the HAAT model to thoroughly map out a client's needs and environment.
• AT Features: How to establish a clear list of required AT features before contacting suppliers, using a simple shower chair as a practical example to consider size, safe working loads, and environmental constraints.
• Trialling and Compromising: Discover the logistics of planning successful AT trials, working collaboratively with equipment suppliers, and helping your clients weigh up the pros and cons to make empowered decisions.
• Navigating Funding: Tips for writing complex funding applications (like the NDIS) by meticulously reviewing quotes and using your trial data to justify cost-effective choices.
• Preventing AT Abandonment: Why your job isn't done after approval. Learn how to use the "Who, What, How" framework for implementation and training, and conduct long-term evaluation using tools like the Quest 2.0 or PIADS.

Links & Resources Mentioned:

• Freebie: Download the PDF mapping out the AT process for an electric riser recliner chair, plus access free webinars on various AT, in the Free Learning Library.
• Deep Dive: Watch the "Just write me a letter" conference presentation on the Learning Library or YouTube.
• Tool: Access the PoMoDATT (Powered Mobility Device Assessment Training Tool) assessment tool for mobility scooter or powered wheelchair trials.
• Deep Dive: Get full webinars on the AT process and the "Who, What, How" training framework by joining the Connector or Alliance Membership.
• Course: Access the Community AT Series (created with Lauren Hart from Otuition) on wheelchairs, commodes, scooters, beds, and recliners, available as a bundle or individual purchases.
• Advanced Learning: Join the Your OT Tutor Journal Club to access a library of recordings discussing topics like end-of-life AT prescription, 24-hour positioning, AT outcome measures and overcoming barriers to AT use.
• Resource: Read more about the 8 steps in the textbook chapter by Dr. Natasha Layton: Layton, N. (2017). Assistive Technology. In M. Curtin, M. Egan, & J. Adams (Eds.), Occupational therapy for people experiencing illness, injury or impairment : promoting occupation and participation (7th ed., pp. 648-670). Elsevier. 

If you found this step-by-step guide to AT prescription helpful, please subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with a fellow OT! Be sure to tune in next time when we will be covering how to complete functional cognitive assessments.

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