CL I NI CIAN TASK FO R C E
CTF JOINS ADVOCACY ACTIONS TO IMPACT DENIALS - A CALL TO ACTION FOR SUPPLIERS Written by: TABATHA JAMES, ATP/SMS, OTR, TAMARA KITTELSON, MS, OTR/L, ATP/SMS, AND AMBER L. WARD, MS, OTR/L, BCPR, ATP/SMS, FAOTA
The landscape of Complex Rehabilitation Technology (CRT) is in a constant state of flux and evolution. It is driven forward by innovative technological developments and compassionate individuals who contribute their knowledge and expertise to the practice. For years, clinicians, assistive technology professionals (ATPs) and other stakeholders have dedicated themselves to improving the lives of those with mobility challenges, providing purpose-driven equipment and unwavering support to individuals seeking independence and a better quality of life. Increasingly, however, there have been formidable challenges with assessments and procedures, equipment selection and authorization, funding procedures, documentation requirements and overall accessibility. Not only do these challenges cause undue stress to the beneficiary, but they also lessen the resilience of the clinicians involved in their care. The occupational and physical therapists involved in the seating and wheeled mobility industry are at high risk of burnout and compassion fatigue and consistently face an overwhelming workload due to the scarcity of specialized professionals in this niche industry. The difficulties faced by those we serve can sometimes feel insurmountable, particularly when amplified by our own stress and the intricacies of navigating the health care system, both of which can lead to unmet client needs. Compassion fatigue can affect each person differently and many of us give our all for our clients. Reductions in services and funding further exacerbate the challenges for people with disabilities and add to the complexity of clinical work. Compassion fatigue is the toll taken on our mental and physical well-being when we constantly bear witness to and support others through their pain and difficulties, often at the expense of our own selfcare. It may manifest as feelings of helplessness and
IN RESPONSE TO CLINICIAN BURNOUT, AND GROWING CONCERNS ABOUT A PARTICULAR LONGSTANDING DENIALS ISSUE, A COLLABORATIVE INDUSTRY GROUP INCLUDING LEADERS FROM NCART AND CTF ARE LOOKING TO REVIEW DATA AND PROPOSE SOLUTIONS. powerlessness in the face of our clients’ suffering, an overwhelming sense of responsibility due to work demands, a waning interest in personal activities, and an increase in both physical and mental health symptoms, including depression and anxiety (Canadian Medical Association, 2020). One solution is of course, self-care activities which might be a nap, a hike, relaxing with friends, a favorite hobby or things that bring joy, but individual coping skills cannot change the dynamic causing the problem. In addition to self-care, taking steps to improve the situation for our clients and industry could increase feelings of control and positive impact and contribute to a longerterm solution. In response to clinician burnout, and growing concerns about a particular long-standing denials issue, a collaborative industry group including leaders from NCART and CTF are looking to review data and propose solutions. This task force has developed a comprehensive plan hinging on the collective efforts of the entire industry, yet its design and implementation are smartly simple. Over the years, numerous clinicians and industry professionals have reported PWC and PWC power seat function denials by Medicare
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DIRECTIONS 2023.6
