The complex seating client: a case for discussion
Schuringa, Joyce, Heywood, Richard,
Special Seating Clinic, Orthotic and Prosthetic Services Tasmania.
This paper presents a case study in order to
- describe the value of a multidisciplinary team approach in addressing the seating and mobility issues for a client with complex needs
- propose simple outcome measures for seating and mobility clients
- provide an opportunity to discuss a service model for seating and mobility clients
The team presenting this paper consists of a physiotherapist, an orthotist and technician who liaise closely with clients, their referrers and carers and with the two local distributors of seating and mobility equipment. The Seating Clinic is located in Hobart, Tasmania that is isolated from the centres where equipment is manufactured.
The client described in this paper is a highly motivated advocate for people with disabilities who has received recognition at a local and national level for his work on issues related to accessible transport. However, he presented at the Special Seating Clinic with a seating and mobility system which was "out of the ark". Subjectively, it was inadequate in meeting his needs and it was objectively a threat to his and his carers' well being.
The paper discusses the reasons for his resistance to changing to more suitable technology and describes the progress and challenges in addressing his needs. The eventual solutions and the measures used in the evaluation of outcome are presented for discussion.