Bridging the assistive technology divide through online training in Australia

Occupational therapists know that “assistive technology (AT) is a powerful enabler of participation” (Desmond and Layton et al., 2018). But what happens when occupational therapists research ideal products only to find limited options to trial them? How can they be confident that AT recommendations are the best fit for their clients? As an online trainer to occupational therapists across Australia, outlined below are some challenges and opportunities noted by the occupational therapists we support.

Karen Maurer,Occupational Therapist and Founder of Capable Spaces in Newcastle, NSW

Challenges identified by clinicians with AT provision

1. Geographical location There are limited AT options for therapists in rural and remote locations, or areas with limited AT suppliers. The occupational therapy AT process may differ for therapists who only receive monthly visits compared to those who can access multiple AT suppliers regularly. Fewer visits require significant pre-planning and telehealth consults, outlining all features of AT using detailed referral forms and liaison with suppliers. Occupational therapists with limited AT suppliers available must be confident with their requests, completing extensive research before the trials or risk lengthy waits before trialling other options.

2. Reduced hire options Many clinicians outside metropolitan areas have minimal hire options. This impacts clients’ decisions to buy the best options, particularly when certain funding schemes expect AT to last five years. Choices are based on the best evidence available to match a client’s needs; however, sometimes it is difficult to be confident items will work if they have not been hired or trialled for longer periods. 3. Funding scheme impacts Working across various funding schemes may impact occupational therapists’ knowledge and practice working with AT, as some funding systems only offer low co-contributions and a reduced range of AT options. Therapists who previously provided AT to clients through schemes such as state-based equipment loan pools and My Aged Care have identified challenges in transitioning to NDIS participants. There are often greater AT options available for NDIS participants, including more costly AT. Occupational therapists have had to expand their knowledge to meet changing expectations of NDIS participants who express greater demands and “choice and control” for their requests.

Overcoming challenges

To overcome these challenges, the following opportunities were identified during online professional development with occupational therapists across Australia:

1. Learning how interstate occupational therapists practise using AT Through attending online training with occupational therapists from across Australia, we are exposed to a variety of AT solutions that clinicians regularly use in their local areas. Therapists with decades of experience are grateful for training with interstate clinicians, as their view is broadened on AT solutions and approaches to solving challenging clinical scenarios using novel and creative ideas.

2. Norms in expectations of AT suppliers Occupational therapist and AT supplier communication is crucial to maximise trial options and optimise efficient AT trials. Clinicians from different geographical areas may be unaware of their expectations of suppliers. For example, an occupational therapist outlined that an AT supplier showed their clients a complex wheelchair without setting it up for a trial. A complex wheelchair is costly and needs to last several years, so it is appropriate to ask the supplier to provide a trial to ensure a best-fit seating option for the client. Other clinicians across Australia confirmed this expectation was normal, and the occupational therapist was empowered to communicate their needs so they could make an informed decision about this high-cost investment.

Australia’s vast geography significantly impacts AT occupational therapists due to limited AT options for trial, hire and purchase. Benefits are found by attending ongoing professional development with occupational therapists who live in different geographical areas to broaden knowledge and understanding of options available to meet clients’ situations and needs.

About the Author

Karen Maurer is the founder of Capable Spaces, a community occupational therapy service in Newcastle, NSW. Karen and her team support adults with neurological conditions and provide training and clinical supervision for occupational therapists in AT and home modifications. Find out more at capablespaces.com.au

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