Quantifying Functional Outcomes in Wheeled Mobility & Seating

Duration: 3 Hour

ABSTRACT

Objective measures have become an essential component of the comprehensive process in the provision of seating and wheeled mobility interventions. A myriad of standardized objective tests, measures have evolved that have relevance to this specific area of Assistive Technology. In this course, clinicians and providers will gain exposure to the clinical utility of various quantifiable measures used in clinical practice relative to the validity of information gained, strategies for integration of outcomes into the clinical routine, and benefits for documentation, treatment planning, and justification of services and equipment. Time will be dedicated to the practical implementation of the Functioning Everyday with a Wheelchair (FEW) tools developed by the presenter and his colleagues and how they are used in clinical practice.

OBJECTIVES

Upon attending this session attendees will;

1. Be familiar with the domains & tools of quantitative outcome measurement related to wheelchair seating and mobility

2. Be familiar with at least 3 strategies for implementing quantitative outcome measures into clinical practice.

3. Be able to list at least 2 reasons why it is necessary to implement quantitative outcomes in clinical practice.

4. Be able to identify at least 2 barriers and 2 strategies to the implementation of quantifiable measures in clinical practice.

5. Be able to identify the benefits and limitations of the self-report and observational versions of the FEW tools.

SPEAKER BIO

Mark R. Schmeler, Ph.D., OTR/L, ATP Department of Rehabilitation Science & Technology, School of Health & Rehabilitation Sciences University of Pittsburgh, Forbes Tower, Suite 5044, Pittsburgh, PA 15260 USA Email: schmeler@pitt,edu, Web: www.rstce.pitt.edu

Mark is an Instructor and Director of the Continuing Education Program in the Department of Rehabilitation Science & Technology at the University of Pittsburgh. He is the course director for the International Seating Symposium and directs several other continuing education venues including web-based post-professional education and training. He has close to 20 years of clinical practice experience and currently practices as an Occupational Therapist and Assistive Technology Practitioner in the Center for Assistive Technology at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center which he helped establish and directed until 2005. His graduate teaching responsibilities are in the area of assistive technology funding & policy as well as clinical applications of wheelchair seating and mobility applying case-based and evidence based practice. His area of research is in the development and application of functional outcomes measures, product development, and telerehabilitation. He is currently the Associate Editor of the Assistive Technology Journal and a member of the RESNA Government Affairs Committee. He also works closely with national organizations as an advocate for appropriate coverage policies related to assistive technology.