Case Study: Wheelchair Seating Clinic
The outpatient department of a rehabilitation center offers a monthly wheelchair seating clinic to evaluate seating needs for patients and community members. Team members meet with patients and caregivers to determine optimal seating recommendations based on individual needs. The team includes a physician, the equipment vendor, a social worker, and a physical therapist.
Tom Hargrave is 26 years old, and 1 year past a motorcycle accident in which he sustained multiple injuries, including a severe head injury. He requires a custom wheelchair for mobility. The physician provides a brief medical history and opens the discussion asking for recommendations from the team. In discussing potential recommendations, the vendor suggests a particular wheelchair with modular inserts for postural alignment. The physical therapist and the family report the need for removable arm and leg rests. As the conversation continues, the physician notices that the social worker has not spoken and specifically asks for his input regarding insurance coverage for medical equipment. Before finalizing the prescription, the physician asks the team if there is anything else they should consider. After a pause, the caregiver mentions the new communication device that Tom has been working with in speech therapy. The team modifies earlier suggestions so that the wheelchair includes a lap tray to accommodate the communication system as well.
Discussion Questions
- Why was it important to have interprofessional collaboration for this situation? What would likely happen if patient-care decisions were made “in a silo”?
- Suggest other members of the team that should be involved in decision making for the wheelchair seating clinic. Provide a rationale for your answer.
- Identify leadership practices demonstrated by the physician in this case that supported collaboration and team effectiveness. Suggest additional strategies or behaviors to enhance the interactions. Refer to Chapters 13 and 14.
- Refer to Chapter 13 to explore how perceptions of hierarchy and empowerment could have influenced the team meetings described in this case.
