Wheelchair Seating & Mobility: Solutions for the Challenges and Risks – Diane Warns

• Hands-on exploration of the latest equipment options
• Key considerations for device selection
• Evaluation of posture, asymmetries, and dimensions
• Problem-solving for difficult cases or presentations
• Writing effective letters of medical justification
• Functional uses for pressure mapping
• Creative and cost-effective ideas for adapting poor-fitting wheelchairs

There are few courses available addressing the important topic of wheelchair seating and positioning.

• Get funding approval for equipment needed
• Learn advanced problem-solving skills for even your most challenging clients
• Hands-on learning opportunities with actual wheelchairs and positioning devices
• Leave with new abilities to assess for client comfort and safety
• Evaluate successful letters explaining medical justification
• New strategies for pressure mapping resources will be provided

This one-day course will provide you with the latest tools to increase confidence and proficiency when it comes to proper wheelchair fit, repairs, and support!

OUTLINE

Physical Evaluation

• Ability to ambulate and perform functional ADLs
• Ability to transfer
• History (including prior equipment and skin integrity issues)
  • Tone
  • At rest
  • During activity
• Seated measurements
  • Posture assessment such as scoliosis, pelvic obliquity
  • Determining appropriate size of wheelchair and seating system
• ROM measurements
  • Goniometric measurements to validate need and necessary accommodations
  • Mat assessment for posture/fixed deformities
• Point of access assessment
  • How the individual will drive the w/c (joystick, head control…)
• Ability to self-propel considerations
  • Lightweight wheelchair and accessories to self-propel
  • Adjustable axles to properly configure chair

Utilizing Pressure Mapping

• Documentation purposes
  • Justification for more expensive pressure-relieving cushion or seating system
• Educational purposes
  • Patient and family education/training
• Determining appropriate cushions
  • Where adequate pressure relief is found
• Evaluating pressure relief results

Adapting a Poorly Fitting Wheelchair: Problem-Solving Solutions

• Identification of positioning issues in existing equipment
• Solutions to adapt the equipment to improve positioning and function
• Analyzing poor postures and determining causes as well as steps to rectify the issue

Types of Manual Wheelchairs and Appropriate Users

• Manual
  • Adult – rigid, folding, standard, lightweight
  • Pediatric – rigid, folding, Early Intervention (strollers)
• Tilt in Space
  • Adult
  • Pediatric
  • Self-propel

Types of Power Wheelchairs

• Front wheel drive
• Mid wheel drive
• Rear wheel drive
• Programmable electronics
• Scooters

Seat Backs: Types and Indications

• Sling
• Planar
• Curved
• Curved with lateral support
• Custom with trunk laterals

Seat Cushions: Types and Indications

• Standard or basic foam
• Contoured
• Pressure relieving
• Custom molded

Head and Cervical Supports: Types and Indications

• Basic curved
• Contoured with posterior and lateral support
• Current equipment will be available to examine/trial

Transportation in a Motor Vehicle

• Frames and seating systems that have been crash tested
• WC19 transit approved

Writing an Effective Letter of Medical Justification

• Information that must be included
• Tips to streamline
• Letter examples and case studies

OBJECTIVES

1. Explain the different types of wheelchairs and who they are appropriate for.
2. Distinguish which types of wheelchairs and seating systems insurances will fund.
3. Determine how to measure someone for an appropriate wheelchair fit.
4. Demonstrate how to write an effective letter of medical justification.
5. Analyze real patient problems to guide the selection process for seating solutions.
6. Differentiate between the various wheelchair cushions available for pressure relief purposes.
7. Evaluate actual equipment types, wheelchairs, cushions and positioning aids.