Module 3 - Hands-on Assessment

Time-line suggestion for assessment task

To save time and minimise transfers, the following assessment tasks can be applied from Module 3 (Hands-on Assessment), Module 4 (Body Measurement) and Module 5 (Description of Current System). See flowchart

Sitting in current seating

Make sure the client is in their "usual posture"

• Record the client's posture in the current seating and mobility system (see sample Basic MAT form and Detailed MAT form)
• Describe the current seating and mobility system (Module 5) and identify its influence on posture, pressure distribution and functional task such as transfers
• Perform a balance and wheeled mobility assessment/observation in the current system. This may include a manual wheelchair propulsion assessment as described in Module 9.

Supine assessment

Transfer the client to a plinth or a bed with an interim firm base such as a transfer board for:

• Supine MAT
• Skin check if relevant
• Body measurement (Module 4) in supine/side-lying if measurement in sitting is not feasible e.g. clients who have sitting-acquired pressure areas or who are "propped sitters".
• Assessment and measurement of the current system while client is off the system (Module 5)

Sitting assessment

"Hands-free sitters" and "hands-dependent sitters" should be assessed sitting up on the edge of a plinth/firm chair. Propped sitters can undergo sitting assessment with the aid of experienced clinicians or by using a seating assessment chair.

• Sitting MAT and simulation
• Balance and reach assessment in sitting
• Body measurement (Module 4) whilst the client is sitting on the plinth

Useful Tools

• Recording form and pen. Click for sample detailed MAT assessment form which has more prompts and basic MAT assessment form which has fewer prompts
• Firm assessment surface such as a plinth, firm chair
• Foot block/platform to support the feet if the sitting surface is too high.
• Goniometer