3 minute read
WESSIE'S WORLD
COMMUNICATION
Written by: WEESIE WALKER, ATP/SMS, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF NRRTS
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- Tony A. Gaskins Jr.
Each year the first NRRTS Webinar focuses on the clients served by Complex Rehab Technology (CRT) suppliers.
This year, the 2023 keynote featured a panel of parents whose children rely on CRT. If you missed it live, you can see it on demand at https://nrrts.org/courses/0110-2023-from-the-parents-point-of-view-weesie-walker/
Although these parents had never met before, they quickly connected on various topics related to the provision of CRT. They were given the questions ahead of time, but since this was about them and their children, they were given free rein to express their ideas. It became evident that they had encountered similar experiences. There are several things they would like to see changed such as coding, prior approval and coverage policies. The biggest take away from all three is who communication is paramount. In a way, that would seem rather obvious. Somehow, in the CRT world, we lose sight of keeping
people in the loop, answering questions and responding in a timely manner. And, even more important is working with a CRT supplier who has a relationship with not only the child receiving services but also the whole family. One parent talked about having flexibility when it comes to scheduling appointments. Can we meet at the school? Or can we meet at our house? Or can we meet at therapy?
In many cases, the CRT supplier is the one constant service provider who is familiar with the home, the school and the clinicians. In these cases, the CRT supplier can offer valuable insight to environmental considerations and equipment choices.
Are we as CRT suppliers doing all we can to nurture this relationship with our clients? Are we following through on each step of the process? Especially when working with children, continuity of service can make things easier. Keeping track of what has been done or what needs to be done is the most effective method.
It is not about being “finished” with this transaction, because this is an ongoing need. The delivery/fitting of a new mobility system is only the beginning of the relationship. The parents and the CRT supplier must be on the same page when it comes to expectations for how these needs will be met going forward. Open lines of communication lead to better outcomes. Better outcomes are everyone’s goal.
Lesson to be learned: The value of the CRT supplier can be measured by the relationship to the child and the family.
CONTACT THE AUTHOR
Weesie may be reached at WWALKER@NRRTS.ORG
Weesie Walker, ATP/SMS is the executive director of NRRTS. She has more than 25 years of experience as a CRT supplier. She has served on the board of directors for NRRTS and GAMES and the Professional Standards Board of RESNA.Throughout her career, Walker has worked to advocate for professional suppliers and the consumers they serve. She has presented at the Canadian Seating Symposium, RESNA Conference, AOTA Conference, Medtrade, ISS and the NSM Symposium. Walker is a NRRTS Fellow.
