| Scope and method of study. Most people take for granted the every day things they do in life. People with physical disabilities, however, cannot take these things for granted. Assistive technology such as the wheelchair is one resource that can make a positive difference on a person's life. However, if the wheelchair does not fit the individual appropriately, it can have a negative effect both functionally and medically. An occupational or physical therapists may be asked to complete the wheelchair evaluation, but because this is a constantly changing field of practice, they may not have the current skills or knowledge to complete the task well. The identification of best practices in a field is the initial step in the development of standards of practice. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to describe the perceptions of occupational and physical therapists who specialize in seating and mobility evaluations about the current best practices of the leaders in the field. The Delphi technique was utilized to collect the data via the internet from a panel of experts geographically dispersed across the United States.; Findings and conclusions. As a result of the data elicited from this panel of expert practitioners in the area of seating and mobility, best practices can be defined as a multi-variant complex series of interactions in which the expert clinician uses experience, hands-on techniques, skills, technology, resources, self-directed learning, follow-up, and a relationship with the consumer in the provision of the services. Barriers can exist which have the potential to interfere with the implementations of best practices, but these barriers can and should be overcome. These concepts can best be summarized by a metaphor of a wheel. Best Practices is represented by the hub on a wheelchair wheel. Each of the best practices variables is represented by a spoke. If a spoke is missing or broken, the wheel does not run smoothly. The barriers are represented by a brake which can slow or stop a the wheel, but these can be overcome. |
