OccupationalTherapy.com Phone: 866-782-9924


Minimizing transfers during a seating evaluation

Kirsten Davin, OTD, OTR/L, ATP, SMS

June 9, 2014

Share:

Question

When completing a seating evaluation with a client who requires maximum assistance or has poor endurance, what are some strategies for minimizing the number of transfers the client has to perform?

Answer

If you have a client who is performing transfers in a fairly labor-intensive way, such as someone who requires maximum assist for transfers, you can perform the entire evaluation in as few as three transfers using the following progression suggested in the figure below.

Table describing recommended progression of wheelchair assessment for Occupational Therapy

 

Editor’s note: This Ask the Expert was adapted from the course, ‘Performing a Successful Seating and Mobility Evaluation’ that is available in text, video and audio course formats. 


kirsten davin

Kirsten Davin, OTD, OTR/L, ATP, SMS

Dr. Kirsten Davin is a veteran Occupational Therapist of nearly 20 years, with extensive experience in a variety of practice settings including inpatient rehabilitation, acute care, intensive care, and the Central Illinois Regional Burn Center. Since initially obtaining her bachelor’s in occupational therapy in 2001, followed by her post-professional OT Doctorate (OTD) in 2007, Kirsten has served not only as a clinician but also in the role of a clinical consultant specializing in product design and development. Kirsten has fabricated hundreds of splints within her acute care and clinical consulting career, many of which were custom fabricated and individually designed on a case-by-case basis. Her splinting experience ranges from a standard safe position and resting hand splints to highly intricate dynamic splints for the hand, wrist, lower extremities, and cervical spine, incorporating all varieties of materials and splinting medium.

For more than a decade, she has been best known for her live, national speaking tours, which to date have reached over 20,000 therapists in 46 states.  She has conducted thousands of educational events on the topics of seating/positioning, assistive technology, work-life balance, acute care/ICU rehabilitation, splint fabrication, orthotic application, and more. Dr. Davin is an engaging speaker who strives to make learning fun. 

 


Related Courses

Navigating The Journey: OT’s Role In Oncology And Navigating End-of-Life Care
Presented by Kirsten Davin, OTD, OTR/L, ATP, SMS, CAPS, CHSE
Live WebinarTue, May 14, 2024 at 12:00 pm EDT
Tue, May 14, 2024 at 12:00 pm EDT

Presenter

Kirsten Davin, OTD, OTR/L, ATP, SMS, CAPS, CHSE
Course: #6393Level: Intermediate1 Hour
How clinicians can successfully evaluate and treat clients in oncology rehabilitation throughout the continuum of care will be addressed in this course. Therapists will benefit from building their oncology rehabilitation expertise through current evidence, comprehensive intervention methods, case studies, and specific guidance for clients with various cancer diagnoses. A specialized focus on therapy’s role in end-of-life care will be provided.

Successful Static Splinting: Foundations, Part 1
Presented by Kirsten Davin, OTD, OTR/L, ATP, SMS
Video

Presenter

Kirsten Davin, OTD, OTR/L, ATP, SMS
Course: #4768Level: Introductory1 Hour
  'simple terms - videos'   Read Reviews
Following a brief overview of the history of splint fabrication and the advances in the splinting and orthotics arena, an anatomical review of hand structures and landmarks will be performed. Types of splints as well as the variety in thermoplastic materials and characteristics will be presented in preparation for additional courses within this series. This course is Part 1 of a 4-part series on static splinting.

Successful Static Splinting: Forearm Based Splint Fabrication, Part 2
Presented by Kirsten Davin, OTD, OTR/L, ATP, SMS
Video

Presenter

Kirsten Davin, OTD, OTR/L, ATP, SMS
Course: #4785Level: Intermediate1 Hour
  'Helpful review'   Read Reviews
In this course, types of pre-cut, pre-formed and sheet-based splint fabrication techniques are explored as well as a comparison between volar and dorsal-based approaches. A detailed demonstration of four types of forearm-based wrist orthotics are presented, including radial gutter/thumb spica splints, dorsal and volar wrist cock-ups, and functional position with an intrinsic plus modification option. This course is Part 2 of a 4-part series on static splinting.

Successful Static Splinting: Hand Based Splint Fabrication, Part 3
Presented by Kirsten Davin, OTD, OTR/L, ATP, SMS
Video

Presenter

Kirsten Davin, OTD, OTR/L, ATP, SMS
Course: #4814Level: Intermediate1 Hour
  'Demonstration of splint fabrication'   Read Reviews
Types of pre-cut, pre-formed and sheet-based splint fabrication techniques are explored as well as video demonstration of the fabrication of a hand-based thumb spica, finger gutter and MP joint blocking splints. In addition, the application and use of a spring finger extension splint, oval 8 splints as well as static progressive finger flexion and extension splints are discussed.

Successful Static Splinting: Fabrication for Specific Diagnoses, Part 4
Presented by Kirsten Davin, OTD, OTR/L, ATP, SMS
Video

Presenter

Kirsten Davin, OTD, OTR/L, ATP, SMS
Course: #4838Level: Intermediate1 Hour
  'Review of orthotic material, instructors level of expertise'   Read Reviews
Types of pre-cut, pre-formed and sheet-based splint fabrication techniques are explored as well as instruction on the fabrication of a foot plate for external fixator application, the application of lower extremity splints and orthotics as well as splinting considerations for specific diagnoses including burn injury. A focus on creative splinting techniques is emphasized.

Our site uses cookies to improve your experience. By using our site, you agree to our Privacy Policy.