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September 1995 |
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September 1995 |
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On January 1994, the Guidelines for the Use of Assistive Technology: Evaluation, Referral and Prescription was developed by the American Medical Association (AMA) for use by primary care physicians to help them meet the needs of their patients with disabilities. These guidelines were created to serve as a reference and resource, with the goal of clarifying and organizing the evaluation, referral, and prescription process.
The guide deals with the primary care of people with disabilities from the viewpoint of assistive technology. Included are summaries of who is at risk for disability, who can benefit from assistive technology, when a physician's care is needed, why assistive technology is necessary, where physician's can start to recognize the need for assistive technology, and how to ensure that patients with disabilities have access to assistive technology.
"Role of the Physician"
The guide then examines the role of the primary care physician T in treating persons with disabilities. This role includes addressing issues such as sensitivity to patient needs and preferences, encouraging the patient to achieve and maintain a maximum level of function, knowledge of local community resources for assistive technology and support, and the physician-patient relationship.
"Core Knowledge"
This section of the guide introduces the concepts of patient assessment, technology and assessment, the rehabilitation process, the team concept, and resources for funding. These issues are then dealt with more comprehensively in the following chapters of the guide.
"Patient Assessment"
This section focuses on level of functioning, patient examination/ evaluation, medical history and physical examination, functional screening / assessment, categories and uses of assistive technology, possible pitfalls in assessment, and selection for referral or consultation. Following is a more detailed explanation of the team concept and rehabilitation process, including a definition of the rehabilitation team and roles of team members.
"Matching the Patient to the Device"
Included in this section is patient, caregiver, and technology-related issues, the importance of training, and possible barriers / pitfalls. After matching the patient to the device, the next step is to "Access and Assess Resources and Services." This section deals with available services, practitioners, information, product research and how to choose a durable medical equipment / vendor.
"Continuing Assessment"
Once the physician has matched the patient to a device and obtained the device, it is important to continue the assessment on the basis of potential changes in medical condition, technology availability and situational and environmental needs.
The guide ends with sections on "Office Practice Guidelines to Meet the Needs of Persons with Disabilities," which includes information on scheduling and accessibility; "Obtaining Funding for Assistive Technology," which addresses the need for prescription, documentation, and letters or medical necessity; State Assistive Technology Projects," and "Professional and Interdisciplinary Resources."
In summary, this guide makes it possible for primary care physicians to be more supportive and understanding of their patients' needs. With this knowledge, persons with disabilities will have greater access to assistive technology and, therefore, greater independence.
If you are interested in purchasing a guide, single copies are $5.00 each, packages of 25 copies are $100.00. Send check (payable to the American Medical Association) to: Department of Geriatric Health, American Medical Association, 515 North State Street, Chicago, IL 60610. Include your name, complete address, and telephone number.
Lisa Reeves has been responsible for program development and administration of programs serving individuals with disabilities during 13 years with the Easter Seal Society. She has worked in collaboration with MD TAP to develop and implement SENIOR TECH, a training program for the aging network, designed to increase knowledge and utilization of assistive technology.
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