Development of Algo, a clinical algorithm for non–occupational therapists selecting bathing equipment

Background.

In Quebec, occupational therapy guidelines allow non–occupational therapists, such as home health aides, to select bathing equipment for “straightforward” cases of clients living at home as long as the aides use a decision-making tool.

Purpose.

Our aim was to develop a tool that met the common needs of Quebec’s health and social services centres (HSSCs), which involve home health aides in selecting bathing equipment for home-dwelling clients.

Method.

We followed an ongoing iterative process involving a literature review as well as (a) a synthesis of 40 in-house tools, (b) feedback from 10 occupational therapists (two questionnaires and one focus group), (c) pretests, and (d) translation.

Findings.

Algo is a clinical algorithm constituting a visual map of the logical steps to follow when selecting bathing equipment for straightforward cases. Algo is a series of yes/no questions dealing with occupation, person, and environment.

Implications.

Algo, rooted in evidence and regulatory board guidelines, is available to HSSCs involving non-occupational therapists in selecting bathing equipment.

[Issues surrounding the participation of auxiliary personnel in occupational therapy]

BACKGROUND

With the current scarcity of occupational therapists, the idea of resorting to the use of support personnel in occupational therapy does not have consensus. In fact, occupational therapists are faced with service delivery options for which they are ill-informed.

OBJECTIVE

To provide a synthesis of the Canadian and Quebec perspectives pertaining to the possibility for "skill mix" that is to say the participation of support personnel in occupational therapy, and to discuss ways in which they can participate.

KEY ISSUES

"Skill mix" would allow an occupational therapist to delegate certain clinical activities to support personnel, so as to assert the full potential of occupational therapy. The Canadian Association of Occupational Therapists and l'Ordre des ergothérapeutes du Quebec recognize the contribution of support personnel and offer markers for the implementation of practices utilizing their services.

IMPLICATIONS

This paper offers a critical reflection on this topic that is in need of further study.