Biomedical Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
valuable to him, and being able to return to work in some capacity is one of
AB's key goals after discharge from the rehabilitation facility.
•
Issues to be dealt with prior to discharge
:
•
Return to work/driving.
•
Transfers at home.
•
Independent mobility:
Consider use of one-arm drive wheelchair or a powered
wheelchair if endurance is an issue.
•
Environmental assessment for successful use of a mobility device in different
environments (inside home, yard, work, church, etc.).
•
Environmental modifications (home environment as a priority, but others
also).
•
Referral to a community domiciliary nursing organization to assist with ADL
completion and to reduce some of the impact on AB's wife. Any prescribed
equipment for ADL tasks should be compatible with assistance from a domi-
ciliary nursing organization (e.g., shower chairs, etc.).
•
Communication device.
•
Once communication device has been prescribed, reattempt to assess cognition.
•
AT to be used at home, e.g., lower-limb dressing.
•
Plan developed for re-engagement in valued leisure activities or exposure to
new activities that AB expresses interest in. May require a combination of task
grading and AT.
•
Plan developed for re-engagement in church and church activities.
•
Investigate avenues of career support for AB's wife and family.
11.6 Conclusions
OTs use a holistic approach that supports the use of AT solutions for individuals with various
disabilities. OTs are able to combine their knowledge of a person's psychosocial, cognitive,
physical, and neurological skills and identify how these systems can affect the person's overall
participation in functional and meaningful occupations. Understanding the person's area of
need and current level of performance, OTs can identify AT solutions that best match the
person's skill to device features. As the field of AT continues to evolve, OTs must stay abreast
on current technology solutions utilizing current AT research, clinical experience, and patient
values to make the best-practice decisions in AT solutions for the individuals they serve.
Summary of the Chapter
This chapter details the unique contribution of occupational therapists to the selection and
utilization of assistive technologies. Occupational therapists use a holistic approach which
recognizes the transaction among the person, the activities they need or want to engage in,
