Wheelchair Training for Occupational Therapists NI (Regional) Foundation Level

Purpose

This course is delivered as part of the Regional Occupational Therapy Wheelchair Training Programme for Northern Ireland. This foundation training is considered entry level aimed at new Occupational Therapy graduates or those with little experience of wheelchair prescription. Its purpose is to provide regional, standardised, regulated post-graduate clinical training on basic manual wheelchair prescription.

This course has been peer reviewed by the Royal College of Occupational Therapists and holds a RCOT Approved Learning Award.

Learning Outcomes

• Outline the background, structure, legislative framework and Regional Eligibility Criteria that underpin the Regional Wheelchair Service in Northern Ireland.
• Distinguish the factors of holistic wheelchair assessment to formulate wheelchair prescriptions based on the needs of service users and their carer/s.
• Identify anatomical landmarks related to wheelchair assessment, interpret their position when identifying postural deformities, and demonstrate how to complete accurate body measurements for basic wheelchair provision.
• Demonstrate effective clinical reasoning to prescribe and handover the most suitable wheelchair from the Northern Ireland basic wheelchair range, considering the clinical and lifestyle needs of the user and carer.
• Outline the properties of pressure redistribution cushions to justify prescription requirements based on risk.

Audience

Occupational Therapists who prescribe wheelchairs for people with non-complex needs.

Participants are qualified Occupational Therapists with little experience in the field of wheelchair assessment, prescription and provision.

Participants are required to complete a mandatory one hour online session prior to attending the face to face session 

Method

A combination of styles will be adopted in the delivery of this one-day course. These include lectures, practical sessions with audience participation, product exploration, discussions with the involvement of Wheelchair Service Users. The course also includes group and practical informal assessments which participants use to apply new learning. The tutor uses these exercises to assess that learning has been established by evaluating answers and providing feedback.

Emma Regan, Regional Clinical Specialist Occupational Therapist, Wheelchair: Training, Research and Service Development (NI)

Cost

Please note you will be informed in advance if there is a direct cost to you or your organisation for your attendance at this programme.

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