Unicare Health helps allied health partners become better prescribers of bariatric equipment
Obesity has become a major medical issue affecting society today. One of the critical challenges with obesity is the increased effort required for mobility and general lifestyle independence. We were delighted to host a seminar room full of clinicians eager to explore the often-overlooked considerations when prescribing bariatric equipment. With the right assistive technology, supporting our clients’ quality of life is far more manageable.
This seminar looked at prescribing assistive technology solutions that match a client’s plus-sized body type to facilitate function, safety, and quality of life.
Seminar: Assistive Technology for the Bariatric Client
- What are you forgetting to consider?
Technology Park Function Centre, Bentley
Thursday, 21 September 2023
The main goal of this seminar was to help allied health partners understand different plus-sized body types and how to select equipment that suits these body presentations. It also addressed the psychosocial implications of being a person of size. Attendees examined a range of AT options and enjoyed getting hands-on with trying them out.
Annette Terranova, our clinical trainer and educator at Unicare Health, shared her wealth of knowledge and experience in bariatric care. Annette is a renowned clinical educator and highly respected occupational therapist who has spoken at numerous healthcare events across Australia. She has over 35 years of experience and has worked extensively as a clinician and consultant in the aged care sector. As a clinical educator and trainer for Unicare Health, she facilitates product and clinical training for allied health professionals, enabling them to become more proficient equipment prescribers.
Annette used the term ‘person of size’ to discuss equipment requirements for bariatric, obese, overweight, and plus-sized clients. These clients frequently face complex barriers limiting their participation in meaningful occupations. As the rate of obesity in our population grows, the needs of larger people and those who care for them must be addressed.
Understanding the impact of clients’ somatotypes is critical to ensuring we provide the best equipment possible.
Annette began by breaking down the characteristics of significant somatotypes. She first identified the difference between ‘apple’ and ‘pear’ body types, along with other sub-varieties. Annette taught attendees how to determine notable tissue distributions – such as adducted, abducted, and gluteal shelf.
Annette then analysed how these body types determine movement and care requirement differences. For instance, a person with an abdominal pannus requires different seating considerations than one without.
Choosing the Right Equipment
To find the best equipment unique to each client, Annette taught attendees what clinical considerations to take into account when recommending assistive technology. She noted that there are more factors to consider beyond the safe working load.
Starting with wheelchairs, Annette discussed the importance of proper measurement and how body type impacts posture and seating requirements. She then gave helpful tips for finding the best equipment in consideration of care, comfort, and functionality. One of the models she discussed was the Breezy Rubix, which is highly adjustable to different body measurements.
She further demonstrated a range of pressure care cushions, highlighting the key differences between a ROHO cushion, an Action Pilot, and an Equagel. Choosing the right pressure care equipment is critical to prevent pressure injuries in people of size.
Annette believes in empowering clinicians by giving them a deeper hands-on understanding of equipment. As such, attendees benefited from the chance to see inside different pressure care mattress technologies. By doing this, they learned how different mattress structures can affect the quality of bariatric care.
Annette then presented a range of hoist and sling options to assist with mobility. She discussed how different body types may be better suited to different equipment, including 2, 3, and 4-point yokes. To explain this, she gave a practical demonstration.
This seminar empowered clinicians to prescribe assistive equipment that helps their clients live in safety, comfort, and dignity. The right healthcare equipment can enable a person living with obesity to enjoy greater mobility, less risk of injury, and an improved quality of life. Attendees enjoyed exploring healthcare equipment options for the larger population. By the end of the day, they had gained a wealth of tips and techniques to help them prescribe the right equipment for different body presentations.
Thank You
Unicare Health would like to thank everyone who took the time to learn about assistive technology for the bariatric client with us. We would also like to thank you for the awesome feedback you have returned.
We trust everyone had a rewarding time learning more about the intricacies of prescribing bariatric equipment. Your enthusiasm to improve your client’s health and well-being and your never-ending support for Unicare Health keeps us going. Thank you for attending, and we can’t wait to see you next time!
