Course Title: Power Wheelchair Programming to Optimize Driving and Seating Function Control (.4 CEUs)

Educators: Michelle Lange (Stealth Products) & Wade Lucas(Quantum Rehab)

Description: Improving drivability and access to power seating functions are two of the most common programming options utilized not only for the initial set up of the chair for the end user, but also during the evaluation process. Drivability is not only an extremely important factor for an end user’s safety and independence in controlling their power wheelchair, but a huge factor in the satisfaction and comfort in using the device. Independent repositioning is key to decreasing the risk of pressure injuries, increasing independence with ADL’s, and improving quality of life. This course will take a basic to more advanced look at programming options for optimizing driving controls (driving parameters) and discuss the various options for accessing power positioning functions, including extensive hands-on time for learners to experience the effect or impact the various programming parameters have on the control of the wheelchair.

Course Title: Balancing Function and Independence: Clinical Considerations for Power Positioning and Memory Seating (.2 CEUs)

Educator: Wade Lucas, PT, DPT, ATP/SMS (Quantum Rehab)

Description: Power wheelchairs are designed to augment function when functional mobility is compromised or lost. For end users with complex needs, the power wheelchair can also augment repositioning and pressure relief. This course will dive into the various options for power positioning, clinical benefits, various access methods, and the research supporting the need for power positioning technology.

Course Title: Muscle Tone, Tone, Management and Dynamic Seating Intervention (.2 CEUs)

Educator: Michelle Lange, OTR/L, ABDA, ATP/SMS (Seating Dynamics)

Description: This course will explore muscle tone, implications in wheelchair seating, and interventions. We will start with muscle tone definitions, etiology, pathophysiology, movement disorders, and related diagnoses. Tone management interventions, and how these impact wheelchair seating, will also be addressed. We will continue with common wheelchair seating challenges present in people with increased muscle tone and movement disorders, as well as suggested seating solutions. Finally, the use of Dynamic Seating as a part of an overall seating solution will be presented. Dynamic Seating moves in response to client movement, diffusing forces and protecting the client from injury and the equipment from loss of adjustment and breakage.

Course Title: Optimizing a Wheelchair: Using the Technology to Ensure Ongoing Success (.1 CEU)

Educator: Curt Prewitt (Ki Mobility)

Description: Professionals involved in manual wheelchair prescription must work with end-users to create a configuration that achieves optimum results for comfort, postural stability, function, and propulsion efficiency. As professionals involved in manual wheelchair prescription and fitting, the value we bring to the process is directly related to our knowledge. This knowledge should always be evolving with integration of new research evidence. Without this requisite knowledge, we are ill-equipped to contribute to the quality of life of manual wheelchair users. This presentation will dive into the details of wheelchair set-up factors that must be considered to optimize postural stability and propulsion efficiency for end users. Factors include horizontal axle position, vertical axle position, seat height, seat angle, back height, back angle, and front frame angle. Consideration will be given to the relationship between these factors and the current research supporting optimization of each factor. We will address how to make prescriptive decisions while providing for potential changes in clinical need and the value of implementing follow-up to reoptimize the wheelchair over time.

Course Title: Putting It All Together: Translating Evaluation Findings to Configure the Ultralightweight Manual Wheelchair (.1 CEU)

Educator: Curt Prewitt (Ki Mobility)

Description: The seating and mobility evaluation has been completed and an ultralightweight manual wheelchair (K0005) has been selected as the appropriate piece of equipment. The make and model of the wheelchair has been determined. Now it is time to fill out the order form. How do you compile all of the information from the subjective interview, physical assessment, and equipment trials to determine the final equipment configuration and set up? How do you ensure that the wheelchair will meet the needs of the user now and allow the potential for adjustments over time? This presentation will use clinical examples to demystify the process of translating clinical findings to final equipment prescription, with particular attention to the complexity of rigid ultralightweight manual wheelchair configuration. Consideration will be given to changes in health condition/need as a result of circumstances such as: time post injury or illness, disease progression, and age.

Course Title: Tilt Course: Adjusting Bases for Optimal Posture, Pressure Relief, Propulsion, and Participation (.2 CEUs)

Educator: Roger Serzen & Jessica Pedersen (Sunrise Medical)

Description: This 2-hour live course will demonstrate the clinical considerations for using a tilt base addressing issues of posture, physiological function, and pressure reduction. Seat to back and  tilt angles will be illustrated to demonstrate how certain positions can enhance function. Frame configuration will be addressed to illustrate how the weight of the chair can change to make caregiver propulsion or foot propulsion easier for the participant. Wheelchair frames will be available for demonstration.

Course Title: Clinical Applications of Pressure Mapping (.1 CEU)

Educator: Karen Lerner (Drive)

Description: Pressure mapping requires intelligent application and interpretation and can be a powerful tool to help your clients get individualized pressure redistribution solutions.

But can pressure mapping predict pressure injuries? What do the numbers mean? Is one of your goals to help wheelchair users get out into the community to enjoy life and to prevent pressure injuries? Force over area=pressure.  You can’t make pressure go away.  You can only move it around or redistribute it. Learn practical uses and hints and how to avoid common mistakes.

Course Title: Bariatrics and Wound Care Considerations (.1 CEU)

Educator: Karen Lerner (Drive)

Description: Human dignity is an essential part of health care for all clients, including those who are obese. Like very underweight clients, bariatric patients are at risk for a multitude of difficult and costly to resolve skin conditions. This program will discuss strategies and present evidence to enhance the chances of successful outcomes for clinicians who care for bariatric clients and their skin.

Course Title: Only Leaves Should Fall: Evidence Based Fall Prevention (.1 CEU)

Educator: Karen Lerner (Drive)

Description: Evidence-based fall prevention interventions are effective at decreasing falls and fall-related injuries among older adults. The extent to which this evidence has penetrated routine health-care practice in the United States remains unclear and data suggests that translation of fall-prevention evidence into practice is limited. This program will review the available evidence of various fall prevention systems implemented through the Centers for Disease Prevention and Control (CDC), American Nurses Association (ANA) and Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ). Specific examples of innovative evidence-based fall prevention strategies will be discussed.

Course Title: Documentation Life Preserver(.1 CEU)

Educator: Dan Fedor (VGM)

Description: In this interactive workshop participants will gain insight into health insurance plans documentation requirements for mobility products and related accessories (tilt, tilt and recline, seat elevation, upgraded electronics and skin protection and positioning cushions). The instructor, a former Director at Medicare, will share the internal thought process of health insurance plans which will enable therapists to provide them what they need in order to approve a claim for qualified patients. This course will teach attendees how to effectively and efficiently document the medical necessity for mobility products in order to reduce the time spent on writing documentation, thus preserving your LIFE as a therapist.

Course Title: Elevate your patients with seat elevation (.1 CEU)

Educator: Dan Fedor (VGM)

Description: As of May 16, 2023 date of service (date of delivery) the seat elevation is a covered benefit and is reimbursable under Medicare Part B as well as ALL Medicare Replacement Part C plans. However, as with all wheelchair accessories the beneficiary must meet the coverage criteria. Even when it’s obvious the patient qualifies for an accessory, getting it on paper (or electronically) with the details required for the payer to see the condition is critical for coverage. In this session the instructor will dig into the coverage criteria and outline what is expected in the wheelchair evaluation to ensure those that qualify will receive this LIFE CHANGING accessory. Documentation requirements for new chairs with seat elevation as well as retrofitting existing chairs received prior to May 16, 2023 will be addressed as well.

Course Title: Eliminate the PAIN POINTS with Wheelchair Accessory Documentation (.1 CEU)

Educator: Dan Fedor (VGM)

Description: Once medical necessity is established for the wheelchair base there is more to do as each separate accessory MUST be addressed in the wheelchair evaluation. Logic dictates that payers scrutinize the high dollar accessories in both prior authorization and post pay audits. In this session the instructor will outline the coverage criteria for the most denied wheelchair accessories and how to properly document the medical necessity for qualified patients. This includes, tilt, tilt AND recline combo, upgrade electronics, skin protection and or positioning cushions, alternative drive controls, etc.

Course Title: Leading the Way Towards Independence in Pediatric Mobility

Educator: Sarah Lusto (Permobil)

Description: Occupational therapists, physical therapists, and equipment providers can influence development alongside enhancing mobility by recommending specific technologies. Selecting a pediatric wheelchair can enhance or inhibit self-directed mobility, which in turn can affect other areas of development. When and how mobility devices are evaluated for and issued can promote a child meeting developmental milestones in a range of areas. This course will review human development as it relates to mobility skill acquisition and initial social, language, and perceptual development. Case examples demonstrating implementation of several mobility devices will be presented, including manual and power wheelchairs. Participants will learn specific intervention strategies to use in clinical practice to promote development while enhancing the child’s self-directed mobility skills. An interactive reflective practice component will explore how participants can begin using concepts learned in this course in their clinical practice.

Course Title: Enhancing Function: The Power of Power Assist Devices

Educator: Sarah Lusto (Permobil)

Description: Manual wheelchair propulsion can be inherently difficult, and research shows that the longer a person propels a manual wheelchair for functional mobility the greater incidence of pain and repetitive injury; the resulting pain can limit function, reduce participation, and limit life roles of individuals who use manual wheelchairs for their functional mobility. Power assist devices present the opportunity to reduce pain and improve function of clients who utilize manual wheelchairs for mobility. By understanding the different types of power assist devices available; having the ability to identify the appropriate client; and knowing how to apply power assist devices based on clinical presentation, therapists will be able to improve function, reduce pain, and increase quality of life of the people they serve.