AT Assessment (Who, What, Where, When, and Why)

I thought it was appropriate in my first research article blog to address the specifics of AT assessment. Why is it needed, who should do it, how to implement, and what data is needed to support the funding request. I chose an article published on Closing the Gap website titled "Assistive Technology Assessment: Are our assessment strategies providing the needed information?", by Jane Korsten.

I decided to blog about this article because I feel that the "process" of AT assessment is crucial to actual use of the AT device. Knowing how to effectively assess, implement, and reassess AT use is key to functional performance of the client and proper AT device use. Another key point in the article is the use of the "team" of various disciplines to decide AT needs. For an example, a client named Frank was admitted to the hospital rehab unit after suffering a right CVA that resulted in left side hemiplegia. During the OT evaluation, Frank sets his own personal goals for recovery to include his tasks, interests, abilities, and needs for functional performance. His goal is to be able to ambulate around the house and to the mail box without the use of a wheelchair or assistance from his wife. Frank has made significant progress while in inpatient rehab. He is now able to walk for short distances, but fatigues and looses his balance on occasion. On a weekly "team" meeting of OT, PT, nurse, RT, case worker, and the physician; AT is addressed as part of Frank's discharge. The team discuses his current level of recovery from right CVA and feel that a standing walker would support Franks continued recovery and reduce the risk of fall due to fatigue and balance issues.

Observing the client use the AT device in the "natural environment" is tale tell sign that the assessment and implementation process was effective. In the example above, after Frank's discharge from inpatient care, a home visit could be accomplished to assess safety issues and observe Frank ambulate within his home and to his mail box. The example gives an excellent example of how a multidisciplinary approach was used to address Frank's AT needs and resulted in highly effective AT services. Finally, the article talks about using a framework for gathering and reporting information to include an understanding of how it will be used to guide selection of devices and services needed to support implementation. We are already learning this in class. By using the team approach and following AT models such as HAAT, SETT, Education Tech Points, MPT, and Unifying Functional Model, an more effective AT process is developed.

Assignment 1.01

1) The thing I like most about computers is the reduction in paper. We are actually saving trees by communicating, banking, budgeting, etc. online. Not to mention keeping our desks clutter free.
2) The thing I like least about computers are when I have a slow internet connection or can't get a wireless connection on my laptop.
3) Here is my attempt at a Sonic Value Meal Name: "A Big Daddy Cajun Chicken Breast Sandwich with a side of OT, and a slice of Daryl's Delight for dessert."
4) 2 years from now I would like to be able to claim that I am a knowlegeable and experienced OTR.

Introduction

I am an older student currently attending my 2nd year in the Occupational Therapy program. In 2004, at 40 years of age, I decided to retire from the United States Marine Corps after a very challenging and rewarding 20 years of service to my country. My wonderful wife of 12 years (Melissa) has supported me throughout my military career, especially during my years of transition while in college. My role has changed from a leader of warriors to Mr. Mom. What a culture shock!

Once retired, my immediate goal was to earn a bachelors degree and apply to graduate school. Having accomplished this in 2006, I wanted to attain a specialized skill in some form of rehabilitation medicine. I am a very passionate and hands on type of person. I previously worked in service support for 20 years while a Marine. I love to work and communicate with people, especially those whom need assistance of any form. I consider myself a fixer of problems, hard worker, and a very giving person. I love children and have raised 4 myself (Chris, Cory, Megan, and Justin) ranging from 20 to 23 years old. Additionally, I have an affinity for older persons. I relate this to an excellent relationship that I maintain with my grandparents who are in their 90’s.

Prior to appling to Graduate School, I accumulated over 200 hours of volunteer service with Physical and Occupational Therapy. While at the physical therapy clinic at the Naval Hospital, Cherry Point, North Carolina, I specifically assisted in the rehabilitative process from injuries to the shoulder, elbow, wrist, hand, hip, knee, ankle and spine. Furthermore, my time spent at Peak Performance, New Bern, North Carolina, involved occupational therapy assistance to patients with hand injuries. Although I enjoyed working with the gross motor skill rehabilitation involved in physical therapy, I was more concerned with helping children with fine motor skill problems and assisting the aging population with Activities of Daily Living (ADL).

I decided to apply to the Occupational Therapy Program because I felt this field would challenge my problem solving and creativity skills. Now that I have given 20+ years of service to my country, I would like to continue the trend by serving my community in the rehabilitation field.