Affiliations: Dynamic Medical Equipment, 51 Rushmore Street, Westbury, NY 11590, USA
Abstract: It is critical that suppliers of assistive technology do outcome studies that indicate whether or not the technology which they provide actually assists the consumer. Assistive technology practitioners have begun to do this, but most durable medical equipment suppliers have not yet participated in outcome studies. The role of rehabilitation technology suppliers (RTS) is often unknown by clinicians and funding agencies. Many third party payers do not understand the value of the service provided by the RTS, and will award equipment approvals based on discount pricing to suppliers who are not involved in the actual assessment process for that consumer. Therefore, outcome studies are needed to support the role of the RTS. However, the durable medical equipment firms who should perform these studies do not feel they have the necessary expertise to perform them. As part of their QA/CQI procedures, Dynamic Medical Equipment, Ltd. developed three questionnaires to measure outcomes at three times during the provision of mobility equipment: post-assessment, post-delivery, and 6 months after delivery of mobility device. An initial survey was sent to 60 customers with a 75% rate of return. Two subsequent surveys had 80% and 43% return rates, respectively. Nearly all of the respondents (37/44 or 84%) indicated being satisfied or very satisfied with the assessment process. A slightly greater percentage of respondents who indicated being very satisfied with the assessment process worked with an RTS compared to respondents who indicated being satisfied (95% vs. 76%). Most respondents who worked with the RTS indicated that they were offered equipment choices, were shown pictures of equipment, and were able to try products before purchase. Respondents who were very satisfied with the assessment had a higher goal attainment post-delivery (94%:73%) and at 6 months (89%:60%) compared to respondents who indicated being satisfied. The results indicate the benefits of a comprehensive assessment. Future studies are planned to better document the usefulness of RTS participation in the provision of mobility devices.
