Unicare Health's allied health partners learn how to script power wheelchairs from Sunrise Medical
Powered mobility devices, including scooters and powered wheelchairs, are increasingly popular in Australia. They are wonderful pieces of assistive technology for enabling people with mobility limitations to gain independence and join in community activities. However, there is no simple formula when it comes to prescribing the right equipment. What features should you look for? What factors should be considered?
On 12 October 2023, Unicare Health joined Sunrise Medical to deliver an educational workshop on prescribing powered mobility wheelchairs. This Quickie Masterclass brought together occupational therapists, physiotherapists, and community care coordinators, to learn about the differences in available options. Attendees gained significant insights into the skills and expertise needed to recommend the best equipment for their clients’ needs.
Workshop: Prescribing Power Wheelchairs
- Options and considerations
Technology Park Function Centre, Bentley
Thursday, 12 October 2023
Understanding what to look for when prescribing powered mobility equipment is essential. The right assistive technology can help individuals with mobility impairments to stay active, enjoy a greater quality of life, and reduce their risk of pressure care injuries.
This workshop was facilitated by Prithy Sivaraman, a seasoned clinician and a member of the Sunrise Medical Clinical Education Team. Prithy brings a wealth of experience as a physiotherapist, with over a decade of experience working with adults and children, specialising in prescribing complex seating and wheelchairs. Prithy works closely with the Unicare Health team, contributing to orders, account management, and the scripting of complex manual, power seating, and wheelchair systems.
This hands-on workshop gave clinicians a comprehensive understanding of the different base types, power seating options, and drive control devices available for power mobility chairs. This knowledge empowers them to make informed decisions and improve their clients’ functional outcomes.
What should you consider?
During the workshop, participants delved into a variety of important topics. The goal was to help OTs to build confidence in making recommendations regarding powered mobility. Prithy taught attendees what questions to ask their clients during assessments to guide decision-making, including determining whether the client has visual limitations, sound cognition, or sensitivity in crucial pressure areas.
Prithy weighed the pros and cons of Front, Mid, and Rear wheel drive when choosing the most appropriate drive base for the client’s environment and stability needs. Attendees also learned about funding considerations. They gained insight into when features such as motor size, suspension type, and tracking assistance are not just desirable, but necessary.
Power assist devices were also discussed. This included the Quickie I-Xpress, and the Empulse F55. Attendees enjoyed getting hands-on with power chairs, taking them for a spin outdoors to appreciate the impact of power on varied terrains.
Prithy highlighted the Q50r Carbon as a “game-changing truly lightweight folding power chair”. The Q50r weighs only 14.5kg without batteries, and has a safe working load of 136kg. Unicare will soon have this exciting new model available for demonstrations.
The interactive nature of the workshop allowed participants to ask questions, share experiences, and learn from one another, creating a dynamic and engaging learning environment. Participants were rewarded for their efforts with a wonderful morning tea.
Thank You
Unicare Health would like to thank Prithy Sivaraman and our friends from the Sunrise Medical clinical education team. This partnership facilitated an invaluable workshop that gave attendees confidence in their ability to prescribe equipment.
Would like to thank everyone who took the time to learn about prescribing power mobility wheelchairs with us. Thank you for your participation, and for the fantastic feedback you have returned. We trust that you found this workshop to be a rewarding and insightful experience.
Thank you for attending, and we can’t wait to see you again next time!
Missed this session?
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