Text

Accreditation Information:

Author

Michelle Lange, OTR, ABDA, ATP/SMS

Introduction to Wheelchair Seating and Positioning

Introduction to Wheelchair Seating and Positioning

5 Hours
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$80

Description:

This course systematically reviews wheelchair seating considerations, beginning with evaluation and assessment. A key part of seating assessment is the mat examination, which helps determine where and at what angles a client needs postural support for optimal alignment as well as pressure distribution and relief to prevent the development of pressure injuries. Body positioning is critical; the body should be positioned to support the task that needs to be accomplished. Sitting on the sofa watching TV could accommodate a position of relaxation, but sitting at a desk, signing a report, requires a position of stability to optimize writing. Clients often must find both a position of rest and a position suitable for functional or task performance within the same seating system. This makes the evaluation process all the more challenging. Factors that affect client posture, such as vision and tone management, are also discussed. A 24-hour approach to positioning, specifically sleep positioning, is explored because of the impact sustained postures have on range of motion and orthopedic alignment both within and out of a seating system. The course explores available seating system categories and materials as well as describes specific seating challenges, including causes, goals, and suggested interventions. Dynamic seating systems are reviewed as these provide movement of the seating system and/or wheelchair frame. A review of wheelchair frame components is also provided. Seating for specific populations, including pediatric, bariatric, and geriatric clients, as well as clients with degenerative conditions is provided as seating needs vary by client population. Wheelchair seating and the wheelchair frame are interrelated. (Specific mobility considerations will be presented in a separate course.) This course also provides the practitioner with information regarding the effects of restraint regulations on the provision of appropriate seating interventions.

Full Course Description
This course systematically reviews wheelchair seating considerations, beginning with evaluation and assessment. A key part of seating assessment is the mat examination, which helps determine where and at what angles a client needs postural support for optimal alignment as well as pressure distribution and relief to prevent the development of pressure injuries. Body positioning is critical; the body should be positioned to support the task that needs to be accomplished. Sitting on the sofa watching...

Goals & Objectives:

Course Goals:

This course, designed to provide the healthcare practitioner with a broad overview of the assessment and provision of wheelchair seating, is written at a basic to intermediate-level for the occupational and physical therapist who have little or no experience in this specialty practice area. Many people require the use of a wheelchair for dependent or independent mobility, and each wheelchair provides some form of seating. Wheelchair seating directly affects a client’s position, which in turn affects function for all of that person’s daily tasks. It is essential that occupational therapy practitioners be able to competently participate as members of the interprofessional team in determining the optimal seating and wheeled mobility interventions for a particular client. Common diagnoses for a client using a wheelchair include cerebral palsy, spinal cord injury, traumatic brain injury, multiple sclerosis, and muscular dystrophies. 

Professional Objectives:

  1. Describe the steps in a seating assessment. 
  2. Identify categories of seating systems. 
  3. Describe the clinical considerations in selecting seating systems. 4. Summarize common positioning challenges and strategies for seated mobility. 
  4. Compare and contrast effective applications to maximize seated mobility

 

Goals & Objectives:

Course Goals:

This course, designed to provide the healthcare practitioner with a broad overview of the assessment and provision of wheelchair seating, is written at a basic to intermediate-level for the occupational and physical therapist who have little or no experience in this specialty practice area. Many people require the use of a wheelchair for dependent or independent mobility, and each wheelchair provides some form of seating. Wheelchair seating directly affects a client’s position, which in turn affects function for all of that person’s daily tasks. It is essential that occupational therapy practitioners be able to competently participate as members of the interprofessional team in determining the optimal seating and wheeled mobility interventions for a particular client. Common diagnoses for a client using a wheelchair include cerebral palsy, spinal cord injury, traumatic brain injury, multiple sclerosis, and muscular dystrophies. 

Professional Objectives:

  1. Describe the steps in a seating assessment. 
  2. Identify categories of seating systems. 
  3. Describe the clinical considerations in selecting seating systems. 4. Summarize common positioning challenges and strategies for seated mobility. 
  4. Compare and contrast effective applications to maximize seated mobility

 

Disclosures:

TEXT COURSE

Text courses are viewed on your web browser if the online version is purchased, or sent via mail if the physical copy is purchased.

Contact Hours: 5 contact hours in length (check your state’s approval status in the state specific course catalog for your profession).

Target Audience: Physical Therapist, Physical Therapist Assistant, Occupational Therapy, Occupational Therapy Assistant

Instructional Level: Beginner

Criteria for Completion: Depending on your state requirements you will be asked to complete either: An affirmation that you have completed the educational activity  or a mandatory test (a passing score of 70 percent is required). Test questions link content to learning objectives as a method to enhance individualized learning and material retention. Scores of less than 70% indicate a failure to understand the material and the test will need to be taken again until a passing score has been achieved.

Personnel Disclosure:

Financial – Michelle L. Lange is employed by ABDA and receives a salary. She receives payment from Colibri Healthcare, LLC for the presentation of this course.

Nonfinancial - no relevant nonfinancial relationship exists.

No relevant conflicts of interest exist for any member of the activity planning committee.

Content Disclosure: This course does not focus solely on any specific product or service

Cancellation Policy: For activity cancellation, returns, or complaint resolution, please contact us by email help@homeceu.com or by phone at 1.800.55.4CEUS (2387). We have a 100% satisfaction guarantee. Refunds will be issued for courses that have not been completed (exam not taken), or for any course that has been rejected by your board of approval. Webinar attendance must be canceled 24 hours before the scheduled start time.

Disclosures:

TEXT COURSE

Text courses are viewed on your web browser if the online version is purchased, or sent via mail if the physical copy is purchased.

Contact Hours: 5 contact hours in length (check your state’s approval status in the state specific course catalog for your profession).

Target Audience: Physical Therapist, Physical Therapist Assistant, Occupational Therapy, Occupational Therapy Assistant

Instructional Level: Beginner

Criteria for Completion: Depending on your state requirements you will be asked to complete either: An affirmation that you have completed the educational activity  or a mandatory test (a passing score of 70 percent is required). Test questions link content to learning objectives as a method to enhance individualized learning and material retention. Scores of less than 70% indicate a failure to understand the material and the test will need to be taken again until a passing score has been achieved.

Personnel Disclosure:

Financial – Michelle L. Lange is employed by ABDA and receives a salary. She receives payment from Colibri Healthcare, LLC for the presentation of this course.

Nonfinancial - no relevant nonfinancial relationship exists.

No relevant conflicts of interest exist for any member of the activity planning committee.

Content Disclosure: This course does not focus solely on any specific product or service

Cancellation Policy: For activity cancellation, returns, or complaint resolution, please contact us by email help@homeceu.com or by phone at 1.800.55.4CEUS (2387). We have a 100% satisfaction guarantee. Refunds will be issued for courses that have not been completed (exam not taken), or for any course that has been rejected by your board of approval. Webinar attendance must be canceled 24 hours before the scheduled start time.