The Permobil Pathways were designed by experienced clinicians for clinicians. As a team, we believe that these courses will provide you with the ideal level of education based on your experience and clinician practice.
Whilst each course is open to all, it is recommended that you choose a stream of courses and complete these prior to moving up to the next level as the knowledge and skills build upon each other.
There are three pathways for learning: Green, Blue and Gold.
The Green path is designed for new graduates or therapists who have not prescribed wheelchairs and seating on a regular basis. These courses will build your assessment and prescription skills and give you a solid foundation.
The Blue pathway is designed for therapists who prescribe wheelchairs and seating on a semi-regular basis and feel as though that have their foundation skills and are seeking to upskill and learn about wheelchairs in seating in further details and apply concepts to more complex users.
Finally, the Gold pathway is designed for very experienced therapists who prescribe wheelchairs and seating on a regular basis and are seeking specific education on topics such as pediatrics, materials science and complex seating assessments.
We are so excited to bring you these new courses and hope that you get a lot out of them! Should you have any questions along the way, please feel free to reach out to one of the Clinical Services team members. We can’t wait to see you in a course and complete a Pathway!
Green Pathway
An Introduction to Wheeled Mobility and Seating Assessments - What you should do before the wheelchair trial
To Get Around on Any Ground: Understanding the fundamentals of mobility related assisted technology
Under Pressure
The Mechanical Assessment Tool: A hands on practical session
Blue Pathway
Points of Control: Identifying product parameters from the MAT assessment
Scripting Power Assist Devices: Gain independence with some power assistance
Power Seat Functions and Drive Wheel Configurations: Endless possibilities with powered mobility
Isolating Your Cushion Choice with ISO Standards: Making sense of the numbers and letters
Manual Wheelchairs - Maximizing your function through hands on skills and adjustments
Manual Mobility for Paediatrics: Reducing barriers and enabling function
Gold Pathway
Going the distance: Why Power Wheelchair inner workings make a difference
Your Manual into Active Manual Wheelchair Scripting
Standing Power Wheelchairs: From evidence to trial
01. An Introduction to Wheeled Mobility and Seating Assessments - What you should do before the wheelchair trial
OBJECTIVES
1. Use the ICF model to guide information gathering
2. Identify and prioritise mobility related goals
3. Understand each person’s role and responsibility in the assessment and prescription process
Why do you need to gather information and what impact does this have on successful equipment prescription? Research has shown that users are more likely to abandon their equipment when they are not engaged in the assessment and prescription process. In this session we will take a deep dive into the wheelchair and seating assessment process, which will allow you as the prescribing therapist to understand what information you need to collect and why you need it.
Therapists will leave this course with an understanding of what the goal of the initial assessment is, understand and be able to create a plan for a wheelchair and seating trial – getting the most out of it. Strategies to engage and work with end users, suppliers and other team members will be reviewed.
02. To Get Around On Any Ground: What’s the methodology when scripting assistive technology?
OBJECTIVES
1. Gain an understanding of what assessments we can use to choose a mobility base
2. Identify the 3 main PWC drive wheel configurations
3. Identify the different MWC frames and understand why you may pick one frame over another
Are you new to working with complex assistive technology? Ever wondered if there is a simple way to decide if the client would be more functional in a manual or powered wheelchair? Want to learn what different equipment is out there and what assessments we can use to assist in the decision-making process?
This workshop will run through the clinical reasoning process when deciding what mobility device will maximise the clients’ independence.
The 3.5hr session will allow for hands-on learning, which will give you the opportunity to develop your own PWC driving skills and trial different drive wheel configurations. You will also jump into different MWC frames and test your ability to hold a wheel stand or connect onto a power assist device and drive over different terrains.
03. Under Pressure
OBJECTIVES
1. List 4 common areas for pressure injuries
2. Name the 6 classifications of pressure injuries
3. Describe 3 current practices to assist with the prevention or treatment of pressure injuries
Pressure injuries are mostly preventable, so why are we still seeing such high rates around the world? Do we as clinicians understand enough to help educate ourselves and our clients on best practice for prevention of pressure injuries?
This session will begin with a discussion on pressure itself, where does it come from and how does it work on the body? Then, we will look at the common areas for pressure injuries and a brief overview of pressure injury staging. Once we understand the aetiology, then we will consider current evidence-based best practice including equipment selection. We will conclude the session with the available resources and how to get involved in the interdisciplinary process for the prevention and treatment of pressure injuries.
04. The Mechanical Assessment Tool: A hands on practical session
OBJECTIVES
1. Identify the key bony landmarks of the pelvis and understand how these are used to identify postural asymmetries
2. Demonstrate the assessment process for defining reducible postural asymmetries
3. Demonstrate ROM measurements in relation to seated posture
4. Identify postural points of control in relation to product parameters
This course is a practical introduction or refresher into the Mechanical Assessment Tool (MAT). The focus of this session is recognising reducible vs non-reducible asymmetries. The 3 parts of the MAT will be explained, demonstrated and practiced. Considerations of completing this assessment within someone’s home environment will be discussed and practical strategies will be provided during the practical session. This session will aim to increase your understanding and confidence when completing the MAT and demonstrate how to use this information/assessment within your practice. Come along prepared to complete a full MAT on a peer and have a MAT completed on you.
05. Points of Control: Identifying product parameters from the MAT assessment
OBJECTIVES
1. Describe the difference between offloading and envelopment in seating design
2. List 3 considerations when identifying potential seating materials
3. Name and describe the 2 different forces that occur between seating materials (foam, air and gel) and the person
4. List a minimum of 3 different points of control in a seating solution and how these address foundation seating principles.
Now you have understood the mechanics of the MAT and may be familiar with some cushions and back supports; but are you able to critically identify the best option to prescribe? Technology advances continue to introduce different materials and designs in off-the-shelf seating products. This workshop looks at different cushion and backrest design concepts and materials, which will provide you with an understanding of how foundation seating principles can be addressed with equipment. This knowledge will enable attendees to challenge their clinical reasoning processes and provide a foundation for critically analysing what a product is made from and why it is designed in a certain way. So, get ready to get hands on as we dive beneath the covers.
06. Scripting Power Assist Devices: Gain independence with some power assistance
OBJECTIVES
1. Identify how front, main and rear wheel PAD are installed and detached from a MWC
2. List 3 reasons why you may choose one type of PAD over another (with reference to a case study that will be provided)
3. Identify the benefits of PADs with reference to relevant evidence-based practice (EBP)
Who benefits from a power assist device (PAD) and what do we need to consider during an assessment? Are all PADs compatible with all types of MWCs? This workshop looks at the different PAD options, exploring the benefits and challenges of each with reference to relevant EBP. We will work through what information is needed from an assessment, potential clinical reasoning strategies and how this relates to identifying the most appropriate device for trial.
07. Power Seat Functions and Drive Wheel Configurations: Endless possibilities with powered mobility
OBJECTIVES
1. Identify 2 functional benefits and considerations of each PSF
2. Understand the impact drive wheel configuration has on environmental access
3. Gain an understanding of the functional impact different actuators can have on PWC performance
Do you understand the differences in drive wheel configuration and power seat functions but want to develop your knowledge on how these can be used to increase function? This course will take a deep and technical dive into the different power seat functions (PSFs) and the functional benefits they can have with reference to relevant evidence-based practice (EBP). We will explore how they work and what effects they may have on other components of the chair. During the hands-on section, we will get into the PWCs to test out the suspension systems and feel the differences when navigating over uneven terrains or turning in tight spaces. Jump into the chairs and compare mid and front wheel drive bases and attempt to complete different functional tasks using a combination of PSFs.
08. Isolating Your Cushion Choice With ISO Standards: Making sense of the numbers and letters
OBJECTIVES
1. Understand key ISO tests including how the tests are carried out and what the outcomes mean
2. Understand which performance metrics may provide insights to guide support surface selection
3. Critically analyse support surfaces as they relate to client goals
ISO standards are much more than a box you tick on a funding form. ISO standards provide an objective, scientific laboratory analysis of support surfaces. These tests measure the critical characteristics of wheelchair cushions. This includes tissue protection, positioning, and enhancing the ability to perform ADLs for a wheelchair user. This standardised, lab-based data must be considered along with the needs and goals of the individual.
09. Manual Wheelchairs – maximizing your function through hands on skills and adjustments
OBJECTIVES:
1. Identify the level of adjustability of manual wheelchair components
2. Be able to make basic wheelchair adjustments to the COG, foot support and back support
3. List three basic skills which active MWC users should be able to perform and understand the key components required for each skill
Ensuring that a MWC is set up and configured correctly to match the skills of the user can be the difference between functional mobility and reduced mobility. Understanding that a wheelchair is meant to be scripted to it the user, not fitting the user to a chair in one thing but knowing how to make these changes in the field is another. In this workshop we will review the key configuration aspects of a MWC and what potential changes and why these changes could and should be made. As a group we will then make changes to MWCs including COG position, foot support and back support. Finally, we will review how these changes impact basic wheelchair skills and how as prescribing therapists we need to have the skills to mobilise in a MWC and empower our users through skill development. Join us for a hands-on session of skill development. Bring your tool kit and a willingness to learn and be pushed out of your comfort zone.
10. Manual Mobility for Paediatrics: Reducing barriers and enabling function
OBJECTIVES:
1. Understand considerations when providing age appropriate mobility equipment
2. Explain at least three unique prescription considerations for paediatric users
3. Match specific individual needs with equipment parameters for best mobility options
The concept of on time mobility and early exploration mobility to support development are well understood by many. When do we consider a mobility base to support destination mobility? The considerations when prescribing manual wheelchairs for Paediatrics are more than just providing a sized down mobility base. There are some unique considerations when identifying the best options for paediatrics. This workshop looks at an overview of the different types of manual wheelchairs specifically designed or prescribed for paediatric populations. From standard entry level chairs through to active manual wheelchairs for independent mobility and for the more complex children the considerations of manual tilt in space. We will identify numerous considerations specific to this population group and addresses concepts such as sustainability and growth, supporting transfers, and managing parental expectations.
11. Going the distance: Why Power Wheelchair inner workings make a difference
OBJECTIVES
1. Identify the main components of a power wheelchair under the shroud
2. Understand how suspension functionally impacts a wheelchair user
3. Understand how motor size impacts the daily function of a wheelchair user
4. Know the difference between smart and basic actuators
Ensuring that you don’t over or under prescribe equipment can be difficult at times. Appropriate prescription of Power Wheelchairs can often be complex, especially as many of the key features can be hidden under the shroud or within the electronics. In this session we will uncover what is actually under the shroud of a power wheelchair and how these features impact users in a functional way. We will break down and discuss suspension, motors, electronics, actuators and programming in detail – you will leave this session with a clear understanding of what these features are and the functional impact these features have on wheelchair users and be confident when comparing options.
12. Your Manual into Active Manual Wheelchair Scripting
OBJECTIVES
1. Identify the difference between custom configured and custom-built frames
2. Understand the importance of propulsion technique with reference to shoulder integrity
3. Understand the importance of the rear wheel position and how we align this to the user
Want to learn the difference between a custom configured and a custom-built frame? Does it even matter? Understanding how configuration impacts on ADL participation, functional mobility and posture are essential when prescribing manual wheelchairs for active users. In this workshop, you will explore a range of set ups and configurations and experience firsthand the differences these have on wheelchair propulsion. We will consider the biomechanics of the user alongside the design and configuration of a manual wheelchair, to ensure we appreciate and understand the importance of an individualised fit for end users.
13. Standing Power Wheelchairs: From evidence to trial
OBJECTIVES
1. Describe 3 evidence supported ways that standing can benefit an end-user
2. List 4 considerations to determine readiness for standing
3. Explain the importance of the trial process for a standing power wheelchair
Feeling nervous or overwhelmed by determining if standing is right for your client? Or maybe you have made the decision, but where do you start? This session is designed to help your confidence in all things standing power wheelchairs. Standing as a therapy intervention has been broadly recognised as an effective method providing clinical outcomes and improvement of functions. Power standing wheelchairs offer great means for extending these outcomes to the home and community situation, adding additional functional and psycho-social benefits. During this session, we will begin with a look at the results from Permobil’s systematic review of the standing literature. Once we understand the evidence, then we will discuss how to determine readiness for your client and how to have a successful trial.