Exit Planning, AHAs and Managing Unusual AT Requests

As Occupational Therapists (OTs), navigating the complexities of exit planning, the involvement of Allied Health Assistants (AHAs) and managing unusual Assistive Technology (AT) requests is a significant part of your role. At Verve OT Learning, we explore these areas and offer practical guidance to help you handle these challenges effectively. Engaging in OT professional development can further enhance your ability to manage these aspects of your practice with confidence and clarity.

Exit planning

Exit planning is an essential part of ensuring a smooth transition for clients, especially as they move from one stage of care to another. It involves preparing clients for changes in their support systems, such as leaving a program or transitioning out of a service. OTs play a pivotal role in this process by helping clients adjust and ensuring their independence is maximised.

However, the process is not always straightforward. In some cases, clients may resist or struggle with the idea of transitioning. It’s crucial to work closely with clients to understand their concerns, provide reassurance and outline the benefits of the change. Clear communication and collaboration with other healthcare professionals and support teams are vital to ensure the transition is as smooth as possible. OT professional development, including self-paced OT learning modules and live workshops, can help enhance your skills in managing exit planning effectively.

The role of AHAs in supporting OTs

AHAs are an integral part of the allied health team and their role in supporting OTs cannot be overstated. AHAs can assist with a variety of tasks, such as carrying out prescribed therapy interventions, documenting client progress and helping with administrative duties. This allows OTs to focus more on the clinical aspects of care.

In particular, AHAs can support OTs in managing some of the logistical and time-consuming aspects of client care, such as maintaining equipment or preparing for appointments. When collaborating with AHAs, it’s important to provide clear instructions and supervise their work to ensure that client safety and treatment plans are followed closely. The relationship between OTs and AHAs should be one of trust and communication to ensure optimal outcomes for clients. Engaging in OT professional development opportunities, such as in-house training and professional supervision, can further enhance the effectiveness of your collaboration with AHAs.

Managing unusual Assistive Technology requests

OTs are often asked to recommend AT to help clients live more independently. But what happens when a request seems unusual or outside the typical scope of AT?

A growing challenge in the OT field is navigating these types of requests, especially when they come from clients, support coordinators or plan managers who may not fully understand the clinical reasoning behind the OT’s recommendations. For example, requests for items such as mobile phones, computers or office furniture might be common but often don’t meet the required criteria for being “reasonable and necessary” under the NDIS.

OTs need to evaluate the clinical need for these items carefully. In cases where the requested AT is not considered appropriate or necessary, it’s important to communicate this clearly to clients, providing a well-reasoned explanation. In some cases, it may be necessary to recommend that clients consider private funding for certain items instead of relying on NDIS funding.

On the other hand, if the AT request does align with the client’s needs, it’s essential to support the request in a way that meets the necessary criteria. For instance, some clients may ask for a letter of support to justify funding for an item. While OTs can provide recommendations, it’s essential to clarify that the final decision on funding lies with the NDIS, not the OT. By offering a letter of recommendation, rather than a letter of support, OTs can reinforce the fact that their role is to provide guidance, but the responsibility for funding ultimately rests with the client or plan manager. OT professional development resources, such as NDIS templates and NDIS forms, can help streamline your processes and ensure compliance with NDIS requirements.

Key takeaways

Exit planning requires OTs to ensure clients are prepared for transitions by providing clear communication and collaborating with other healthcare professionals. Your support can make a big difference in helping clients feel confident and prepared for change.

AHAs play a crucial role in supporting OTs. By working closely with AHAs, OTs can streamline processes and ensure clients receive the best possible care.

When dealing with atypical AT requests, OTs must take the time to evaluate whether the item is clinically necessary. Being transparent with clients about the process is essential, and always clarifying that the final decision on funding lies with the NDIS helps maintain clear expectations.

Navigating these aspects of your practice requires a balance of clinical knowledge, clear communication and collaboration. By staying informed through OT professional development, such as Verve OT Learning’s OT training options, you can ensure the best outcomes for clients and help them live as independently as possible.