Unicare Health introduces occupational therapy students to pressure care cushion technology
Seating and Pressure Care Training
Edith Cowan University, Joondalup
Wednesday, 30 August 2023
The Unicare Health training team were delighted to return to Edith Cowan University (ECU) in August to introduce pressure care cushion technology to Occupational Therapy (OT) undergraduates. These future OTs were given the chance to learn about the current innovations and trends in pressure care technology.
This workshop was an excellent opportunity for OT students to familiarise themselves with pressure care equipment. This experience is sure to help them with the types of technology they’ll find in their upcoming aged care practicals.
Unicare’s clinical educator and trainer at Unicare Health, Annette Terranova, first eased students into the lab by addressing factors that increase the risk of a pressure injury.
She then described a few unique scenarios she’d encountered in the field. After presenting these real-life cases, Annette called on students to answer the question: where did the pressure injury occur?
Annette demonstrated various pressure care cushions from leading brands Jay, ROHO, Action, and Equagel to support her presentation. Annette disassembled these cushions in order to give students the chance to understand their inner workings and material properties.
Students were quick to grasp the clinical features of air, gel, foam and other materials used in the seat cushions. Recognising the variances in postural stability, pressure injury prevention, transfer stability, care and maintenance of the different cushions is essential for these future OTs to become intelligent prescribers of these products.
Annette also presented a practical step-by-step demonstration of how to set up a ROHO cushion.
After the presentation, students enjoyed the opportunity to get their hands on the equipment.
Everyone had a chance to sit on the various pressure-relieving cushions. Annette then gave the students the chance to try using the pressure care cushions on some of the power chairs present.
The students visually examined the therapeutic properties of different pressure care cushions, such as an Equagel and an Action Pilot, using the pressure-mapping software present.
Every student had a go at setting up a ROHO cushion with their peers. For their efforts, they were rewarded with a well-earned Krispy Kreme. 😊
Thank you
Unicare Health is grateful for the ongoing partnership with ECU’s School of Medical & Health Sciences, which allows us to contribute towards ECU’s Assistive Technology program.
As industry leaders, we unicare about instilling confidence and sharing equipment knowledge with the next generation of occupational therapists.As we grow older, the idea of seeking out extra care can be daunting. Most of us would prefer to age in place, in the comfort of our own homes. Thankfully, helpful services exist to make this possible.
