CM E3 Enable individuals to use assistive devices and assistive technology

Overview

This standard relates to working with individuals, their carers and other members of a multi-disciplinary team, where appropriate, to assist individuals to use assistive devices and technology.  This may take place anywhere.  This standard is relevant to those who provide proactive and co-ordinated Case Management. Here, Case Management means identifying and risk stratifying vulnerable, high-risk people with complex multiple long term conditions. Case Management should take place within the philosophy of enabling and promoting self care, self management and independence. Users of this standard will need to ensure that practice reflects up to date information and policies. Version No 1

Knowledge and Understanding

You will need to know and understand:

1. the current European and national legislation, national guidelines and local policies and protocols which affect your work practice in relation to assisting an individual to use assistive devices
2. your responsibilities under the current European and national legislation, national guidelines and local policies and protocols, and their effect on your actions within the care environment
3. the importance of testing assistive devices within the user environment
4. how to work effectively as a member of a multi-disciplinary team
5. the importance of working in accordance with the plan of care and potential effects if you do not do this
6. the importance of using the assistive devices specified in the care plan, even if the individual is experiencing difficulties with its use
7. the importance of giving the individual feedback and encouragement
8. the importance of encouraging and enabling the individual to be as self managing as possible
9. the importance of keeping individuals informed of their progress
10. the effect which different walking surfaces (e.g. slopes, stairs, types of floor covering) affect the use and safety of assistive devices and why it is important to explain this to the individual
11. the psychological factors which affect individuals with reduced mobility
12. the specific mobility/functionality issues relating to the different conditions for which assistive devices may be prescribed
13. how to provide the individual with safe physical support
14. the range of assistive devices and the associated systems and procedures for their provision
15. how to ensure that the assistive devices are safe and fit for use
16. the appropriate measurements and limits of use for each type of assistive device
17. the importance of making the environment safe for the use of particular assistive devices and methods of doing so
18. the importance of reporting adverse effects and progress
19. the importance of reporting defects in assistive devices immediately
20. the importance of explaining and reinforcing information on the use of assistive devices and how to do so
21. how to evaluate the user environment
22. how to fit, test and adjust assistive devices to meet individual needs
23. the range, associated systems and purpose of assistive devices
24. the key principles associated with the fitting and use of specific device being fitted or where to access information relating to the range of assistive devices, associated systems and purpose
25. the range of measurements required to prepare a specification for modification or adjustment to original prescription
26. principles of posture management and special seating, including an understanding of joints, balance and gait
27. the procedures and systems within the organisation in relation to assistive devices, including repairs, ordering specific assistive devices, modification and so on
28. the types of information that should be documented and the importance of doing this accurately, completely, legibly and as contemporaneously as possible
29. the requirements for signing off handover documentation
30. why it is important that documentation regarding use and maintenance of assistive devices is given to the individual or their family/carer

Performance Criteria

You must be able to do the following:

1. explain and reinforce information on the use of the assistive devices and technology  with individuals in a manner, and at level and pace, appropriate to them
2. confirm that the assistive device and technology is clean and in good working order for the individual’s requirements before use
3. label, remove from use and report defective assistive devices and technology to the appropriate person, and ensure an alternative is supplied as promptly as possible
4. remove and minimise potential hazards in the immediate environment given the limits of the setting
5. educate individuals and carers in the safe use , transportation and maintenance of the assistive device and technology , within the user environment as relevant
6. offer individuals appropriate constructive feedback, encouragement and reinforcement
7. provide safe physical support to enable the individual to use their assistive device and technology when they need it
8. give verbal feedback and physical guidance where individuals are not using their assistive device and technology correctly
9. monitor the effectiveness of the assistive device and technology for the individual and report any problems to the appropriate person with minimum delay
10. accurately report any adverse effect, and major progress to the appropriate member of the care team as soon as is practicable
11. agree relevant trial and review periods to co-ordinate with patient treatment plan and develop full capabilities in use of the assistive device and technology
12. complete any documentation or records of activities completed accurately, legibly and completely
13. clean and arrange maintenance of the assistive devices and technology  after use and ensure they are ready for future use

Additional Information

This National Occupational Standard was developed by Skills for Health. This standard links with the following dimension within the NHS Knowledge and Skills Framework (October 2004): Dimension: HWB7 Interventions and treatments