Unicare teaches allied health partners about optimizing access, choice, and use of assistive technology to become better bariatric equipment prescribers
Workshop: Being Smart about Bariatric Equipment
– Optimising access, choice and use of Assistive Technology
The Camfield, Burswood
Thursday, 20 Oct 2022
Obesity has become a major medical issue affecting society today. One of the key challenges with obesity is the increased effort required for mobility and general lifestyle independence.
This seminar was designed to provide clinicians the opportunity to familiarise themselves with different body type presentations of those living with obesity and the challenges related to caring and prescribing equipment for these individuals.
We were delighted to bring this session back for the second time and welcome occupational therapists and physiotherapists working across hospitals, aged care, disability, and the community sector looking to gain a greater understanding of Bariatric Equipment for the plus-sized individual.
Facilitated by Unicare Health’s clinical educator and trainer, Annette Terranova, this seminar offered attendees the opportunity to become familiar with the different body type presentations of individuals living with obesity and the challenges related to caring and functional equipment prescription for these individuals.
Annette is a well-known clinical educator and respected occupational therapist who speaks at healthcare events across Australia. She has over 35 years of industry experience and has worked extensively as a clinician and consultant in the aged care sector. As 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 began her session by addressing user needs, resources available, stakeholders as well as goals and assessment criteria when it comes to equipment prescription.
“Before we meet a person of size, we need to consider our organisation’s preparedness. Does your organisation have a plan in place?”
She discussed common stigmas when it comes to individuals living with obesity and redefined our bariatric population as one whose weight and/or size interferes with their ability to participate in our society.
“Lots of our plus-sized users aren’t really disabled, they just can’t participate due to their size.”
She raised awareness regarding mental health and social issues that bariatric users commonly struggle with. She reminded clinicians how important it is to do a thorough pre-assessment. By looking beyond safe working load of equipment, they should focus on users’ abilities and goals to encourage them to get back into society.
“Just because they are plus-sized, it doesn’t mean their contributions to society are limited. We can help them contribute more if we work together to make the right choices! ”
Using Unicare Health’s range of equipment designed for the plus-sized population, Annette discussed the suitability of these pieces of equipment for different body type presentations.
Annette began with wheelchairs and seating systems, reviewing frequently asked questions and debunking common misconceptions about plus-sized individuals using scripted and non-scripted chairs, manual and power wheelchairs.
She also discussed the clinical features of equipment in detail to facilitate functional independence, comfort, safety, and a sense of well-being for both the user and the carer.
“Help our carers understand what it is like to be that size!”
“For example, the Manual Breezy Rubix Wheelchair is a great option for active users who enjoy being out and about. The Manual Breezy Rubix Wheelchair’s ultra-lightweight frame is great for comfort and functionality and having a higher back will better assist users standing up.”
“The Regency Sertain, is better suited as an all-day chair. It has infinite positioning capabilities to suit different activities throughout the day…. “
“It’s not about the plus-sized person, but also the weight of the equipment”
Annette taught clinicians to review the features of wheelchairs and seating systems suited for larger individuals. Some factors to consider were:
- Distribution of the weight of the equipment
- Seating limitations across each piece of equipment
- The weight of the equipment with the user in it
- Cushions, accessories, and different customisation options available
- and more.
Annette also discussed pressure injury prevention and solutions using Unicare Health’s range of nursing care beds and pressure care mattresses. Bariatric users often stay in one position all day, which puts them at higher risk for pressure injuries and shear. What should we look for when considering a bed and mattress for a plus-sized individual? What do we start with?
“The Xcel Floorline is a great option for transferring bariatric users in and out of bed, especially those with shorter legs. However, it doesn’t have great mobility support. The Wissner Bosserhoff bed, on the other hand, has great supports to encourage bed mobility, but … “
Drawing from her own experiences as an OT in the field, Annette also shared tips for safe transfers and introduced the clinical advantages of using lifting hoist accessories such as a powered pivot frame, custom slings, and slide sheets to assist with manual handling tasks.
“If you’re using a hoist from one manufacturer and a sling from another manufacturer, – ensure you are doing a thorough risk assessment…”
Annette also demonstrated the distinction between transferring a person with a ceiling hoist and a lifting hoist, as well as how different yolks and spreader bars contribute to a different lifting solution.
Attendees were also excited to learn about other assistive technology options that suited the bariatric population, such as the Mangar Camel. Annette demonstrated how the Mangar Camel is an emergency lifting device designed to lift a user up to 320kg from the floor in a safe and dignified manner, which is a great transportable option for users looking to be more involved in the community.
The seminar concluded with a discussion on shower commodes, and their relevance to our bariatric population. Using Juvo Solution’s range of shower commodes, Annette shared their specialisation in catering to our larger population. Annette highlighted key features such as the drop-down arms & swing away legs for transfers and talked about what to consider when scripting commodes for our larger users.
Attendees enjoyed the rest of the session exploring equipment that was discussed during the presentations.
Thank you
Unicare Health would like to thank everyone who took the time to attend our bariatric equipment workshop. We trust that everyone had a rewarding time learning more about the challenges associated with prescribing bariatric equipment.
We unicare about playing a pivotal role in improving the way Assistive Technology for our bariatric population is prescribed and extremely thankful to all the occupational therapists, physiotherapists, nurses, trainers and clinicians who gave up their day to learn from us, knowing how much their work would benefit from it.
We’re in love with all the work we do that goes into professional development, and so glad for all the magical partnerships that have evolved from these clinical training events. We’re blessed to have a following of like-minded clinicians who enjoy working with us, as part of our ongoing efforts to improve community care.
