Can we do better?

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Can we do better?

Where is the person in your person centred practice? “My equipment helps me do the things I want to do”

Assistive technology (AT) supports a person with function and meaningful activity. The National Disability Insurance Agency has recognised the role of AT in achieving goals.

NDIA Towards Solutions for Assistive Technology – Discussion paper, December 2014, www.ndis.gov.au

“When I am part of the process my equipment works for me”

A person’s engagement in equipment prescription is positively correlated to equipment acceptance and retention. In practice, equipment abandonment occurs often and has financial, social and participation impacts.

Strategies to consider Communication • Understand how the person communicates • Engage family or paid supports as needed • Really listen to the person’s perspective

Planning

Philips, B, Zhao, H. Predictors of Assistive Technology Abandonment. Assistive Technology 1993; 5.1:36-45

“If my therapist included me in decisions we’d have more wins”

• Don’t let time pressures or lack of information negatively impact the outcome • Be creative and open to different ideas

Person centred practice is not about a therapist deciding what they think is best for the person. The person is empowered to make their own informed choice.

Johnston, P., et al. Getting it “right”: How collaborative relationships between people with disabilities and professionals can lead to the acquisition of needed assistive technology. Disability and Rehabilitation: Assistive Technology, 2014

Challenge yourself A person wants to eat sandwiches for lunch and is at risk of aspiration

Where is the power balance?

A person wants to keep driving a power wheelchair and has previously had accidents

How much do your customers drive decision making?

A person wants to walk and they are at risk of falling

What is your responsibility for the person’s choice?

Rebekah Cranmer and Janelle Johanson – [email protected] Occupational Therapists, Yooralla Health and Wellbeing Therapy Team

Index

Transparency • • • •

Define expectations about the process Be honest and open about your role/skills Keep the person informed at all stages Share technical information so the person can apply it to their own situation and make choices

Advocacy • Respect the person’s choice even if you would have made a different choice • Defend a person’s needs even if they are expensive or conflict with perceived norms