Imagine being glitzed and glammed up, makeup on face, outfit on check, heels just right, and then you walk to the runway. The light is shining on you as you strut on the runway for the first time. Recommending assistive technology for the first time can feel a lot like this. Alone, walking through the unknown and clenching your butt not to fall on your face. If I’ve learned anything from my time on the runway (and in OT!), it’s that the teamwork that happens behind the scenes, everything from makeup and hair to even the small detail like nails truly makes all the difference.
Ready, Set Strut!!!
Do you ever wonder how an equipment could transform a life? Seriously, do you ever think about how a machine might make your life easier? In occupational therapy, selecting an assistive technology, is not just about choosing the tool—it’s about recognizing and celebrating the individuality of the person who will use it. Just as a designer must appreciate the unique curves and confidence that runway or plus-size models bring to fashion, an occupational therapist must tailor interventions to perfectly fit the person’s story and needs. Whether you’re a new graduate or confidently stepping onto your first OT runway, remember this journey involves understanding the person’s unique style. So, let’s pause, take a deep breath together, and remember, as we say in Kenya, “Wisdom does not come overnight.”
Buckle your seatbelt—it’s your turn to shine on the OT catwalk!
The Secret to OT Glamour!
Prior to getting into the nitty-gritty, let’s talk about the secret ingredient. The secret is a simple but powerful acronym that will be your BFF: PEOP.
PEOP is the huge secret. I know you expected something huge like Denzel Washington coming to Australia, I wish!
The PEOP framework, created in 1985 by Carolyn Baum and Charles Christiansen, helps OTs deliver individualised support. Just like fashion designers create beautiful clothes tailored specifically to each model’s unique shape, size, and style: Baum and Christiansen’s model do exactly that, but for OT assessments.
Heels on, confidence check, spotlight ready! Let’s gracefully strut through each element of PEOP, your must-have accessory for the OT runway:
Person: Clothing fits look best tailored to person’s unique body proportions, shape, and personality, by considering fit, a well-designed outfit not only flatters but also boosts confidence and self-expression.
Similarly, every person has his or her own strengths, challenges, and aspirations and traits; and when you understand the person, you can understand the fit they need.
Environment: Choosing the right environment is like picking the perfect outfit for an occasion—it can either make you feel comfortable and confident or out of place and restricted.
Just as certain clothes help or hinder your movements, the spaces where someone lives, works, or enjoys leisure time can either support or limit their ability to participate fully in daily activities.
Occupation: Contrary to what you may think, occupation is not necessarily a job description, it is any daily task and role that provide your life with purpose and meaning
This includes cooking a meal for your family, hanging out with friends. Your occupation is anything that brings you joy, makes you smile and provides life purpose and meaning. It is crucial for OTs to know a person’s occupation so that they can tailor interventions and assistive technologies to roles to promote independence and improve quality of life.
Performance: Imagine the ultimate reveal on the catwalk, what’s the outcome, am I going to land on my backside when I walk down the runway?
This is how well the person performs these activities will they strut those high heels like Naomi Campbell or manage a small, little heels like me!
The Holistic Mantra
Now that you’re in on the secret, you can embrace a holistic mindset! That means looking at the whole person, physically, emotionally, socially, mentally, spiritually, and environmentally to truly understand their health, especially when exploring assistive technologies.
Think of it like putting together an epic fashion show: the producer, camera crew, make-up artists, and stylists all team up, each playing their part, creating one incredible, unforgettable experience!
Step One: Your First Fitting Session
It all begins with observing the fit on the runway. In OT appointments, take a moment to watch how your client moves, communicates, and interacts with their surroundings.
This is where you apply the secret- The PEOP! You observe the person, their environment, their occupation and how they perform their occupation.
Observation isn’t about judgment, it’s like being a friendly photographer, capturing the moments that reveal true potential. You’re essentially gathering clues on how to create the perfect supportive solution. This observation stage often involves a physical assessment and detailed task analysis. This means breaking down complex activities into individual steps allowing to pinpoint the skills, challenges and environmental factors involved. This detailed observation helps OTs design targeted intervention to address the client’s performance. By just observing, you can tell a lot. Like:
- How do they mobilise? Or as I put it, how do they sashay on the runway?
- What are the challenges in their daily routine?
- Who are they? What are their strengths, challenges, and interests?
- What is their story? Remember, every client is unique. It’s like reading a diary, each page reveals a little more about who they are.
Beyond physical observation, remember that every client has a story. Engage with their families, friends, support coordinators and even their own narratives. Ask:
- What are your goals?
- How does your disability impact these goals?
This interactive process is key. Every bit of feedback from a gentle comment to a detailed explanation adds a stitch to the fabric of the perfect assistive device.
Setting the Scene
Now, let’s take a stroll through your client’s everyday surroundings. Ask questions like:
- Where do they live? Does their home have stairs, or is it a single storey house?
- What challenges does the environment present? A busy suburb setting is very different from a quiet rural outback
- How large is their bedroom? Is there home supportive of electrical equipment such as power points?
Imagine the famous princess Diana wedding gown which looked stunning on the church while she floated towards Prince Charles. Now consider trying to get away with the same wedding gown on a hectic street in Nairobi, Kenya. Similarly, A wheelchair designed for a wide-open suburban area might not be ideal for navigating narrow, crowded city streets. Or a small wheeled 4-wheel frame might not suit a hilly suburb like the Dandenong ranges!
Fashion Meets Function
We then explore their occupations. Imagine my grandma who is used to cooking our special dish called Ugali while standing, an assistive device that improves balance or provides support during standing tasks can support grandma to continue enjoying her occupation, and we continue enjoying the food of course. Ask yourself:
- What activities are crucial for them? Is it cooking, playing with their kids, or maybe gardening?
- How can the device enhance these activities? The goal is not just to provide support but to empower your client to excel in what they love.
Assessing the Fit
Next, it’s time to evaluate how well the client can perform these activities with their current set-up. This isn’t about passing judgment and it is important you make them feel that. It is about identifying gaps and opportunities. Consider:
- What barriers do they face? It might be physical limitations, environmental constraints, or even a lack of confidence.
- How can the right device bridge these gaps? The aim is to enhance performance.
Fit check, setting the scene check, runway check, think we done? Not quite, a model’s work is never done. Bring your sassy heels back and let’s do some trials!!
Step Two: Trial and Error: The Fitting Process
Just like choosing your wedding dress, there can be a lot of trial and error with assistive technology until you get that “aha” moment, when your tush lands on the pillow made just for you.,
When trailing Assistive Technology consider:
- Multiple Trials: It might take a few tries to find that “just right” moment.
- Client Feedback: Listen closely to what they say during the trial. Their honest feedback is invaluable. Listen to their friends and family as well. Are they ready for an equipment? Lifestyle Match: Ensure the device complements their lifestyle, not just their clinical needs. If a client loves dancing or cooking, the equipment should empower them to keep doing what they love.
- What does the client like? From their favourite colour? Believe it or not, clients are particular with their colours. Do they care if it fits their home’s colour scheme?
Step Three: Consistent Couture
Once the perfect equipment is in place, the journey doesn’t end there. Regular follow-ups are crucial to ensure that the device remains a perfect fit over time. Ask:
- Is the equipment still making their life easier?
- Are there any maintenance issues or usability challenges?
- Have the needs of the clients remained or changed?
Always in Vogue
These check-ins are like periodic photo shoots—always assessing, adjusting, and celebrating progress. They help ensure that your client continues to thrive, and any necessary tweaks can be made along the way.
From the runway to real life, occupational therapy and assistive technology revolve around celebrating individual uniqueness and enhancing daily experiences. Using the PEOP framework as your guide, you can confidently tailor interventions to each person’s distinct lifestyle, preferences, and story. Just like a successful fashion show relies on collaboration and attention to detail, effective OT interventions require careful observation, creativity, continuous evaluation, and adjustment. Step onto your OT runway with confidence and creativity, empowering others every step of the way! Sashy……
Written By: Gloria, Final Year OT Placement Student
