The purpose of this special interest report is to describe the development of a DME Education Assessment Tool in SCI (DEATS) through a process improvement study that assessed education practices of PT sand other clinical staff in a certified SCI unit, yielding recommendations to organization leaders to support patients following their discharge home.
A comprehensive literature review was conducted of SCI specific DME recommendations, and equipment complications. Clinical processes of the SCI unit were evaluated by therapy and case management professionals, using a 20-item questionnaire assessing DME educational practice, observed complications, and proposed improvements. Responses were tabulated and analyzed to compare clinician perceptions among each other as well as to relevant literature
Results were presented to the SCI clinical team and organization leaders.The results and team feedback informed the development of the DEATS, a DME-specific modification of The Needs Assessment Checklist, a patient centered tool consisting of 10 SCI rehabilitation domains.
SCI certified clinical staff perceived that patient DME educational needs were not being met at discharge and 1 year following community reintegration. Perception of re-hospitalizations and complications experienced were consistent with the literature. Barrier to DME education included reduced length of stay, limited caregiver presence, rural residing patients lacking resources, limited facility equipment, and unrealistic patient expectations. Clinicians reported a need to implement intentional assessment of patient education needs regarding DME; with the use of the proposed tool.
PTs play a key role in the education and development of skills of individuals following SCI. By identifying perceived barriers to patient education, clinicians and management were well positioned to implement change and improve educational standards for patients. The proposed tool will obtain patient feedback following discharge to the community in order to evaluate the effectiveness of DME education practices; the extent to which their IP educational needs were met. This model of discharge care to optimize DME education has the potential to reduce cost, decrease re-hospitalization, ensure the patient feels supported upon returning home, and improve community reintegration.
Durable Medical Equipment
Case Management
