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Module 7 - Postural Interventions
Module 7 - Postural Interventions
Team work
- Explore the issues and goals identified with the client, keeping in mind the client's expectation of outcomes and required level of functional capacity in the environment. Seek consent and agreement to monitor trials from the client before implementing interventions.
- Consult with relevant health professionals to address clinical issues.
- Suppliers have the most up-to-date product information and applications. It is the vital that the clinician clearly states the desired product goals and conditions of use to the supplier, so that appropriate technologies and product configuration can be selected for the intervention.
Formulating trials
- Be aware of the inter-relationship between the seating system and the wheeled mobility and assess the system as a whole against the identified goals.
- Set up the trial equipment to simulate the MAT results and body measurement as much as possible. (Tip: using the assessment information, it is easier to set up a system without the client rather than making big adjustments to the system when the client is seated.)
- Fine tune the set up when the client is in the system by assessing and adjusting the client's posture to the desired MAT outcome.
- Check if there are localised pressure issues. For example, the thoracic lateral support may edge against the rib cage. Changing the pad size or repositioning may be required.
- Influence the client's or carer's understanding of the trial process by promoting the benefits of the trial items in meeting the identified goals.
- Provide instruction/education/user information.
- As per the client's agreement to intervention, client is responsible for providing a thorough report to the therapist on the equipment trials covering time duration and daily/regular functional tasks conducted, in their environment if possible. Provide reports on any arising issues such as body movement, environmental access, comfort, transfers etc as listed in initial interview. If there are multiple items being trialled simultaneously, the therapist should list them and ask for feedback in a systematic way using a table format. It is particularly useful when documenting clinical rationales and funding applications. Establishing clear goals will make feedback easier.
- Skin checks are recommended to detect any pressure issues. Within reasons and available resource, checks should be conducted 20-30 minutes after the trial set up. If there are no signs of skin damage (i.e. localised redness and non-blanching), repeat the skin check at two-hourly intervals for the first day. Stop the trial if the skin shows signs of damage.
- Consult with specialised seating services for assistance as required.
This web page is managed and authorised by Greater Metropolitan Clinical Taskforce. Last updated: 16 March, 2009
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