Powerchair Prescription and Preventing Pressure Injuries
Session 1: Drive Wheel Configurations and Power Seat Functions: Prescribing for participation
New to powered mobility or keen to deepen your technical understanding? This session dives into an evidence-informed overview of powered wheelchair prescription. We’ll connect clinical goals to the features that matter- from drive wheel configuration and power seat functions, to motors and suspension, without over or under-prescribing. Using practical case examples and hands-on exploration, we’ll unpack how these features work together to influence access, posture, and participation across home, school, work, and community environments. You’ll leave with a framework for assessment, trial, and justification, and the confidence to compare options and tailor setups to the person, not just the spec sheet.
Learning objectives:
- Describe how base configuration and power seat functions can support everyday functional outcomes.
- Recognise how drive wheel configuration and ride characteristics influence access across typical indoor/outdoor contexts.
Session 2: Under Pressure: Understanding and Preventing Pressure Injuries
Pressure injuries are largely preventable- so why do high rates persist worldwide? Do clinicians have the knowledge needed to educate clients and guide equipment choices that reduce risk?
This session begins by exploring the fundamentals of pressure: where it comes from, how it behaves, and how it affects the body. We will identify common pressure injury sites and provide a brief overview of accepted staging classifications. The session concludes with a review of up‑to‑date, evidence‑based practice, with a focus on equipment prescription for seated surfaces. You’ll walk away with practical strategies to support interdisciplinary prevention and management of pressure injuries.
Learning Objectives:
- List four common areas where pressure injuries occur.
- Name the six recognised classifications of pressure injuries.
- Describe three current practices that support prevention or treatment of pressure injuries.
Meet Your Presenter: Ben Gommers
Ben Gommers joined Permobil as a Clinical Services Specialist with his background in Complex Disability and Assistive Technology. After graduating from La Trobe University with a Bachelor of Health Science and a Masters of Physiotherapy, Ben has dedicated his career to improving the quality of life for individuals with complex health needs and disabilities.
Throughout his career, Ben has worked across various settings, including a Cerebral Palsy Early Intervention Centre, a Specialist School for students with physical disabilities and complex health conditions, and as an Assistive Technology consultant. He has witnessed firsthand the incredible impact of Assistive Technology and is inspired by its ability to empower individuals to live more independently.