Equipment Prescription

Question 1

What are the considerations for equipment prescription?

Answer 1

• Purpose
• Time frame
• Environment
• Cost and funding

Question 2

What is the aim of temporary equipment?

Answer 2

• To assist in the development of a particular skill but not required long term e.g. corner chair.
• Following a surgical intervention

Question 3

What should be considered when prescribing permanent equipment?

Answer 3

Growth factors & adaptability of equipment for different purposes

Question 4

What are the environmental considerations for equipment prescription?

Answer 4

• Where will the equipment be used, home, childcare, school
• Can it be accommodated within the setting or are modifications required
• Is the equipment transportable & adaptable to needs in different environments, or do you need one at home and one at school

Question 5

What are the different funding options for equipment?

Answer 5

• Temporary loan
• Short term trial to assess suitability
• NDIS is now the primary source of funds, currently in changeover period
• Other community services such as charities, community fund raising can assist with costs

Question 6

What equipment is physio involved in prescribing?

Answer 6

• Seating (with OT)
• Standing frames
• Walking aids

Question 7

What are the different types of seating options?

Answer 7

• Corner chairs
• Tumbleform moulded seats
• High chair
• Strollers
• Powered & manual wheelchairs

Question 8

Why is a physical assessment required when prescribing seating?

Answer 8

To determine

• Postural needs
• Knowledge of condition & prognosis
• Possible interventions which may impact on equipment needs e.g. car seat/surgery

Question 9

What are the possible goals associated with standing frames?

Answer 9

• Body structure & function: Stretch of hips, knees and ankles, weight bearing through legs, head control, encouraging extension
• Activity & participation: Positioning for play, school work, cooking
• Need to monitor posture closely

Question 10

What is the purpose of walking aids?

Answer 10

• Progression to independent walking (including post surgery)
• Mobility at home, school, community
• Functional gait training
• Exercise for fitness, cardiorespiratory function
• Strengthening & maintaining muscle/joint range
• Part of daily positioning program

Question 11

What are the considerations for walking aids?

Answer 11

• Level of support required for walking (e.g. hands free support, gutters for arm support)
• Can the child initiate weight shift?
• Posterior or anterior walker
• OHS (getting the child in/out of the walker)