Seating considerations for children with palliative care conditions: a toolkit for paediatric occupational therapists

Background: A key role of the Occupational Therapist (OT) in palliative care is to support and enhance quality of life and encourage optimum independence (Crosthwaite, 1997). The provision of appropriate equipment is often... [ view full abstract ]

Background:
A key role of the Occupational Therapist (OT) in palliative care is to support and enhance quality of life and encourage optimum independence (Crosthwaite, 1997). The provision of appropriate equipment is often paramount to this (Ogilvy, 2010). OT’s working with children with palliative care conditions need to be aware of the indications and contraindications of seating these children.
Theoretical underpinning:
The World Health Organisation’s International Classification of Function Disability and Health (ICF) aims for participation of an individual in life situations with an emphasis on capacity and performance (WHO, 2001). Children with these conditions may require seating equipment, this can enable participation in meaningful occupations which are often impacted on by difficulties with function and structures.
Assessment / Intervention/ Technique:
A toolkit was developed by experienced therapists intended to support OT’s working with children with palliative care conditions regarding clinical decision making when seating this complex client group. The document presents the clinical indications for seating a child with palliative care needs including assessment, contraindications, the seating requirements and available equipment for children with palliative care conditions.
Evaluation of outcome:
The seating considerations document was sent to experts in the field of specialised seating and to a national group of paediatric OT’s for peer review where feedback was gathered regarding content and concerns for local therapists.
Application to practice:
The toolkit is now available to OT’s working with children with palliative care conditions as a resource with practical information and specifications regarding possible seating options.