Role of PTA

It is within the scope of practice for a PTA to:

• instruct in strength training for transfers
• instruct in wheelchair mobility indoors and outdoors in a variety of environments

• assess safety and motor planning with wheelchair-based activities
• adjust components of a wheelchair to modify and improve fit
• instruct in fall recovery from a wheelchair
• train family members, caregivers, and/or patients in safe wheelchair mobility, effective pressure relief techniques and wheelchair maintenance/care

• educate in the signs and symptoms of skin breakdown
• coordinate and consult with a certified equipment vendor for recommendations and coordinated in-clinic assessments
• prescribe a wheelchair - includes measurements, frame selection, cushion selection
• document medical necessity for specialized components
• advocate for wheelchair access in the community.

Communication and rapport with the supervising physical therapist will ensure that the wheelchair fitting and seating activities are facilitating progression toward discharge goals. The PTA must select seating interventions which support the goals of the PT evaluation.

 

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