In many ways, Complex Rehab Technology (CRT) is all about precision — determining measurements and settings down to a quarter-inch or a couple of millimeters, detailing medical necessity, getting everything done in just a few clinic visits.
But within that regimen, are seating and wheeled mobility consumers and their families given room to be human? Can they share their questions or concerns without fear of being judged? Can they confide in the members of the seating team and feel respected and heard?
In the latest Mobility Management podcast, Angie Kiger, M.Ed., CTRS, ATP/SMS, Clinical Strategy and Education Manager for Sunrise Medical United States, shares how she has connected with CRT clients on a personalized level.
“It’s about being open and honest about who you are,” Kiger said, describing how she tries to put clients and families at ease. “With or without disabilities, everyone wants to be viewed as being equal. You might not necessarily be inclined to let other folks know your weaknesses.
“A lot of times, when you go into a physician’s office or for an evaluation, people just start going through a checklist. Make it more of a conversation.”
Bridging a social or emotional distance between you and a client could be as simple as understanding and tapping into their interests, Kiger added.
“Know your audience,” she said. “Know the room. I don’t want to come into a clinic appointment talking about the Washington Football Team when clearly, these people were for the Giants.”
Taking the time to understand clients as people first, and to embrace that side of the seating and mobility work process, can ultimately lead to better outcomes, Kiger said: “Any assistive technology device impacts the entire world of that individual. … They’re there [in clinic] for a moment of time in your life. How can you improve that [time]?”
Listen to the latest podcast “Giving CRT Clients the Room to Be Human,” and then check out Mobility Management’s podcast library.
