Unicare and Sunrise Continue to Develop Confident Wheelchair Prescribers
Seminar: Building Wheelchair Confidence
- Turning assessments into practical solutions
Friday, 16 August 2024
Technology Park Function Centre, Bentley
On Friday, 16 August 2024, we hosted an insightful hands-on seminar titled "Building Wheelchair Confidence". The event brought together our allied health partners involved in prescribing seating systems and wheelchairs, offering a comprehensive exploration of wheelchair assessment and scripted power chairs.
Part 1: Assessing Posture – Conducting the MAT Eval and More
This session was presented by Prithy Sivaraman. Coming from Adelaide, Prithy is a Physiotherapist who specialises in complex seating and wheelchair prescriptions for both children and adults. Her expertise in working with pediatric clients and alternative access controls for powered mobility makes her a highly sought-after scripting specialist. Prithy works for Sunrise Medical as an educator and trainer.
Prithy covered the MAT (Mechanical Assessment Tool) evaluation process, an essential part of the seating and mobility assessment used by clinicians when prescribing wheelchairs and seating systems.
The MAT evaluation is critical because it:
- Facilitates selection of appropriately sized and shaped seating systems
- Considers functional capacity, posture, and pressure management needs
- Helps identify required seating components and modifications
- Reduces risk of prescribing an unsuitable wheelchair
JAY cushions
Prithy delivered an in-depth overview of JAY cushions. She discussed how cushion features are designed to stabilize the pelvis, protect the skin, and accommodate diverse mobility and seating requirements.
The JAY® Union Cushion for example, combines a dynamic fluid and foam layering system, specifically utilizing the JAY Flow™ fluid insert and gel-infused Visco™ memory foam. This design allows for even pressure distribution, reducing the risk of skin breakdown and enhancing comfort. The top layer consists of soft, gel-infused Visco memory foam, which promotes airflow and absorbs heat, providing a cooler sitting experience. The cushion has a moderately contoured foam base that supports proper pelvic and thigh positioning. It includes 1-inch lateral pelvic wedges for improved stability and alignment.
The JAY® Union Cushion features a dual-cover system. The inner cover is moisture-resistant and easy to clean, while the outer cover is machine-washable and made from anti-microbial, silver-impregnated X-static® fiber. This outer layer also includes 3DX spacer fabric to enhance airflow and moisture dissipation.
The JAY® Fusion Cushion features a multi-layered, contoured foam base made from closed-cell foam. It has a soft, contoured top layer of memory foam that provides comfort and adjustability. The cushion includes a femoral transition and rear wall that help prevent fluid migration while supporting the trochanters and posterior pelvis.
The JAY® Fusion Cushion can be ordered with either a JAY Flow fluid insert or ROHO air insert. These inserts conform to the user's shape, adjust to sitting positions, and ensure proper placement beneath bony prominences to protect the skin from breakdown. A layer of 3DX spacer fabric helps dissipate heat and moisture for additional skin protection.
Participants enjoyed the opportunity to experience different cushions firsthand, examining their material composition and understanding how the technology inside contributes to pressure redistribution and envelopment.
JAY Backrests
Prithy discussed JAY® backrests. JAY® backrests are engineered to stabilize the pelvis and torso, reducing fatigue and maximizing function for wheelchair users. They feature contoured back shells, soft foam, and adjustable components to offer a customized fit and enhanced comfort.
Many JAY® backrests offer customization through the "JAY Your Way" program, allowing for additional adjustments to achieve the perfect fit. This includes options for different widths, heights, contour depths, and support levels.
JAY® wheelchair backs are designed to cater to a wide range of users, from active children to bariatric clients, ensuring improved comfort, support, and functionality for wheelchair users.
JAY Box
Prithy demonstrated the use of the JAY® Box, teaching participants how to utilize various components such as abduction wedges, hip elevations, lateral hip supports, foam wedges, and Flolite pads to address postural deformities, accommodate or correct body alignment, and optimize seating solutions.
Part 2: Power Up! – A Crash Course in Power Mobility
The afternoon session delved into the world of power mobility, addressing key considerations for prescribing power wheelchairs.
Prithy talked about the clinical considerations for power and emphasized the importance of power mobility in enhancing socialization, recreation, self-care, and reducing carer burden.
She introduced the Q50 R Carbon, QUICKIE's lightest carbon folding powerchair. Weighing from just 14.5 kg. The Q50 R Carbon can be an excellent option for active users needing part-time power mobility in a portable package, when appropriately matched to the individual's needs and environment.
Using the Q series power wheelchairs, attendees learned to consider drive types, understanding the differences between front-wheel, mid-wheel, and rear-wheel drive systems.
Sunrise Medical's Q series power wheelchairs are designed to cater to a wide range of mobility needs, from compact indoor models to robust outdoor performers. They offer various customization options, advanced suspension systems, and expandable control systems to ensure users maintain their independence and mobility.
Power elevate functions and various seat functions available were also discussed in detail.
Case studies were presented to illustrate real-world applications of power mobility solutions, showcasing how these innovative technologies enhance the quality of life for individuals with mobility challenges. Each case highlighted specific scenarios, such as the integration of power wheelchairs in home settings, the use of power chairs in community engagement, and the role of control systems in promoting independence for users with varying levels of physical ability. Through these examples, the effectiveness of power mobility solutions in improving accessibility, fostering social inclusion, and empowering users to confidently navigate their environments was vividly demonstrated.
Participants enjoyed the opportunity to test different power wheelchair models and controls in both indoor and outdoor environments.
Hands-On Experience and Expert Guidance
Throughout the seminar, attendees benefited from Prithy's expertise as a clinician and educator.
The interactive nature of the seminar allowed participants to gain practical experience with various wheelchair components and mobility solutions, enhancing their confidence in prescribing and assessing wheelchair systems.
By combining theoretical knowledge with hands-on practice, this seminar provided allied health professionals with valuable skills and insights to better serve their clients' mobility needs.
Thank you
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Prithy and all our allied health partners for participating in this wheelchair seminar. We hope that the seminar enriched your understanding and provided valuable insights into wheelchair scripting and seating prescriptions.
Our collaboration with Sunrise Medical has been instrumental, and we look forward to continuing this partnership to improve wheelchair and seating outcomes for you and your clients.
