ICES Partnership Nottingham City & Nottinghamshire Integrated Community Equipment Service Provision of Equipment for Children: Specialist Seating/Postural Management Assessment Tool May 2012 Nottingham & Nottinghamshire Integrated Equipment Service (ICES) Version 4.0 dated 8.6.12 1 ICES Partnership Nottingham City & Nottinghamshire Specialist Seating/Postural Management Assessment Date of Assessment: Assessor: Child’s Name: Address: DOB: Tel: Home Tel: Mobile ID Number: (BRC client ID plus the one specific to your organisation) Postcode: BRC client ID: School: NHS No: Consultant: Framework: GP Practice Code: Carefirst: GP Address: Diagnosis/Disability: Assessments: (attach if relevant) (Chailey/oxford) Present Situation (seating currently in use if known): What the carer feels they need for the child: Where will the chair be used? (environment suitability): For what activities will the chair be used? (eg relaxation, feeding/eating, play): Will the child be supervised in the chair? Version 4.0 dated 8.6.12 2 ICES Partnership Nottingham City & Nottinghamshire How long does the child currently spend in seating? (time/frequency): Carer motivation, limitations, etc: Measurements Height cm Weight cm Hip width cm (a) Floor to back of knee cm (b) Seat base cm (c) Seat base to mid scapula cm (h) Seat Base to top of shoulders cm (d) Seat Base to top of head cm (e) Shoulder width cm (f) Arm rest height – base to elbow cm (g) Version 4.0 dated 8.6.12 3 ICES Partnership Nottingham City & Nottinghamshire Postural and Functional Observations Observations Postural Requirements / Potential Solutions 1. Pelvis/Hip Position 2. Trunk Control / Sitting Balance 3. Extensor Spasm Muscle Tone / Reflexes 4. Head Control / Neck 5. Left Leg & Foot Position 6. Right Leg & Foot Position 7. Left Arm / Hand Function 8. Right Arm / Hand Function 9. Mobility 10. Transfers 11. Behaviour 12. Risk of tipping chair 13. Sensory Function 14. Skin Condition 15. Continence 16. Swallow/suction needs – risk of aspiration Version 4.0 dated 8.6.12 4 ICES Partnership Nottingham City & Nottinghamshire 17. Eating / Drinking 18. Respiratory (oxygen/ventilators) 19. Other Version 4.0 dated 8.6.12 5 ICES Partnership Nottingham City & Nottinghamshire Seating Accessories Required – see appendix A Summary To include type of seating/positioning equipment required: fully supportive height adjustable seat or floor based 90/90 seat with anti tipping Possible Options to consider: see Appendix B as a starting point: Signatures/Authorisation Clinician (OT/Physio) Team Manager (Budget Holder) Date: Date: Budget to be charged Version 4.0 dated 8.6.12 6 ICES Partnership Nottingham City & Nottinghamshire Appendix A Seating Options LOW 90/90 floor based seating MEDIUM increased postural support, Hi/lo option, wheeled base HIGH multi-adjustable hi/lo, tilt in space, fully supportable seating system 1 Seat Base Options 1.1 Flat - Generally used for children who have low level sitting needs and have a symmetrical sitting position and good sitting stability. 1.2 Ramped/contoured - Shaping of the seat cushion can be used to encourage pelvic stability and symmetry, and encourage alignment of lower limb joints. It can also be used specific positioning such as hip abduction. The shaping is normally predominantly placed along the inner or outer aspect of the thighs, or in front of the gluteal crease. This accommodates the difference in thigh dimensions and supports the femurs in a horizontal position. 1.3 Moulded - Individually moulded seats are used for children and young people who are generally unable to use any of the other types of seating base. When the child’s posture is significantly asymmetrical moulded seating is able to accommodate and support the posture for maximum comfort. By ensuring that there is maximum body contact with the seat there is a reduction in the risk of tissue trauma and the development of pressure sores. 1.4 Split - Accommodates leg length discrepancy. 1.5 Saddle/Straddle- Normally can be tilted forwards to encourage anterior tilt of the pelvis with and extended spinal posture. For improved hip stability as well as trunk and lower limb alignment. Children who have high muscle tone in their legs may find that sitting in abduction in a saddle or straddle style seat helps to reduce their tone. Version 4.0 dated 8.6.12 7 ICES Partnership Nottingham City & Nottinghamshire 2 Back Options 2.1 Flat Back – This is the most basic of back rests suitable for children who have independent trunk control or who need a little bit of extra support required in conjunction with trunk supports. 2.2 Contoured – Usually shaped symmetrically and providing support to the curves of the spine and / or give some side support. In some instances this type of back rest can be built up to suit the individual child’s contours and accommodate pronounced spinal curvature/deformity. This improves pressure relief as the weight is more evenly distributed. The R82 Wombat chair back is contoured and particularly effective in supporting kyphosis. 2.3 Adjustable Lumbar support/pad. Is provided to increase support to the lumbar curve. In younger children the lumbar curve may not be developed and this pad can sometimes be moved to encourage this area to develop correctly or used to provide support where it is needed. 2.4 Adjustable sacral support/pad. Is provided to increase support to the sacral area. When a child’s position is not correctable the pad may need adjusting to accommodate a deformity. 2.5 Dynamic - Allows children to extend and push back against relatively light resistance and then regain the desired sitting position without compromising pelvic position. A lockable option may be desirable for eating and drinking situations. For Example: The R82 x:panda and the JCM Triton Dynamix have dynamic back supports that absorb the energy of extension and return the child to a functional seating position upon relaxation. These systems are useful for clients with a strong extensor spasm and varying muscle tone. Any extreme forces are absorbed, making it less susceptible to structural failure in the back and footplate. The R82 x:panda allows the back to be locked if preferred for activities such as feeding. The JCM Triton allows the strength of resistance and power of return to be set to suit the individual requirements of the user. 2.6 Recline - Some chairs have a backrest which can recline. This can be used for children who tire easily and need to have their hip angle opened up to provide a more relaxed posture. Also some children do not tolerate a full 90 / 90 position and require their hips to be slightly more opened on a regular basis. Some seating has an incremental approach to hip opening and chairs can be set according to the child's specific needs. In some cases families may be advised to leave the recline function alone once it has been set specifically for their child. Version 4.0 dated 8.6.12 8 ICES Partnership Nottingham City & Nottinghamshire A recline option can make it difficult for the user to regain their original position. If accessories are necessary to encourage positioning then the recline can affect the set up of such. The recline can increase shearing forces and compromise skin integrity. It is also important to ensure that the recline facility does not encourage sacral sitting (sliding down chair – thereby encouraging posterior pelvic tilt). Such can contribute to shearing forces and pressure problems in addition to deformity. 2.7 Pressure Relief - Some specialist seating has pressure relieving cushions built into the seat base/back. Specialist pressure relieving cushions can be assessed for via the tissue viability nurse but cushions to fit paediatric seating are difficult to find. 3 Supports 3.1 Head Rests - A wide range of head supports are available to maintain optimum head position and support in resting or active positions. Simple headrests can often be fitted on a multi-adjustable carrier which offers adjustment in three planes. This enables the correct height, angle and distance forward or backwards from the carrier to be achieved. Some companies will mount specialist headrests eg Whitmyer, Prowalk or i2i. Multi Grip Head Rest - This comes on multi-adjustable carrier and offers very individual support for a wide range of children. Within the comfortable cover are "fingers" that can be moved and molded to create an infinite variety of support shapes that can control ATNR, help with feeding, address the problems of unilateral inattention and many other problems. 3.2 Hip Pads - To assist with correct positioning of the bottom and also add support along the length of the thigh. standard length extended bilaterally right leg extended left leg extended 3.3 Thoracic Laterals (Short/fixed) / Thoracic Laterals (Flip Away with Chest Strap) Thoracic Laterals – Required to help support posture, upper trunk control and sitting balance (fitted rib height, underneath armpits). Flip away laterals – Provided to assist with transfers (either hoist or slide). Fixed Laterals – Provided to support upper trunk control and sitting balance. Wrap Around Laterals – Provided when increased trunk control is required. Ideal for children who have sensory needs and would benefit from light pressure ‘snug fit’. May also reduce the need for a harness or waistcoat. Consider options when assessing girls around the age of puberty. Version 4.0 dated 8.6.12 9 ICES Partnership Nottingham City & Nottinghamshire 3.4 Waistcoat - Provides a higher level of upper body support, increased trunk control and sitting balance. Ideal for children who are low/high tone and require more support when sitting. Clips – Required when only a slot is available to attach harness straps to chair. 3.5 Harness - Required for upper trunk control, to maintain positioning and to reduce the child bending/tipping forward in the chair. 3.6 Lap Straps (2 point and 4 point) - Will provide correct hip alignment and prevent unwanted pelvic movement. Consider whether dual or single pull is required to ensure belt is tightened to the correct tension on each use. Padding or upholstery on the lap belt helps to distribute the pressure of the belt and reduces the potential for skin entrapment. 2 point is for basic positioning and less dependent children 4 point belt, which attaches at 2 points on each side of the chair, and provides a directional pull both downward and backward, holds the pelvis more securely making it suitable for clients with a lot of movement and moderate to severe positioning needs 3.7 Buckles - Buckles can come in a variety of forms Velcro – provides minimal support Clip buckle plastic (ensure there is no skin trapping risk) Metal Buckle (like seat belt) Safe buckles (which are difficult to press and for use when child may undo belt by themselves and put themselves at risk) 3.8 Abduction Block/Pommel - Abduction block otherwise known as a pommel. Fits under the centre of seat base or can be moulded into the seat base. It helps with the alignment of the legs especially if the child has increased tone in their legs which as a result adopt a position of adduction Note that not all chairs are able to have this retro fitted and may require adapting. Also note that this is not an accessory to prevent child from slipping forward and if used as such could cause injury. Assists with prevention of wind sweeping (on toileting equipment this can assist with minimising urine escaping) 3.9 Knee Blocks - These are designed to maintain the pelvic position and keep the hips in neutral. They can also be used to correct pelvic rotation. However the incorrect use or placement of these can cause significant pain and damage. Only to be used if the hip joints are stable and the child’s orthopaedic surgeon has agreed that knee blocks are a safe way to proceed. 3.10 Footplate, Bootees, Sandals - All seating provision should include some kind of foot support to ensure feet are not left dangling. Improves pelvic and trunk stability. Version 4.0 dated 8.6.12 10 ICES Partnership Nottingham City & Nottinghamshire Single footplate without any straps (basic) Moulded foot plate or box (retains feet within a specific area) Two individual footplates - these provide a little more support and position the feet more accurately. Child will sometimes need the feet strapping into these to maintain their position. Useful if the child has a leg length discrepancy Sandals can come in various forms and requires shoes to be worn. Sandals which specifically position the foot and is of the same size as the child’s shoe. This may have two straps and can be fitted by either going across the child’s foot or criss crossing over the child’s foot. The strapping should be determined as part of the assessment. Sandals may also be provided together with an ankle straps and a toe strap (if required) Snug feet / bootees /ankle huggers require details of the ankle circumference for fit. Assists with foot positioning and prevents incorrect foot positions. Secures the feet without being tight. Helps increase safety of child in the chair. Improves pelvic and trunk stability. Child may be able to use softer footwear (such as slippers) 3.11 Shoulder Protractors - Provided to prevent shoulder retraction and facilitate an improved posture during functional activity. Can also reduce the risk of entrapment down the side of the chair. 3.12 Elbow Blocks (small/large) - To encourage correct arm positioning to enable function. Ideal to reduce shoulder retraction and risk of arm entrapment especially for children who have jerky arm movements. 3.13 Arm Rests - To encourage balance, support upper trunk control and facilitate the fitting of a tray. Adjustable height angle and removable to facilitate slide transfers. 3.14 Tray - Different shapes, colours and materials make it possible to find exactly the right tray for the user. Some trays are made with an edge to keep toys etc. on the plate, while others are made without to provide more freedom of movement. Some of the trays are made with one centre bar mounted in the armrest, making it possible to swing-away the tray before placing the user in the chair. Other trays are mounted with twin bars into both armrests. Trays can often be padded if needed. Some users might benefit from using one of the transparent trays but this is not recommended where there is a visual impairment. 3.15 Grab bars/ rails - These can help to stabilise upper limbs to assist with hand function and self feeding and they can be used to attach toys to the tray. It is important to consider the height and position of a grab bar and how easily it can be moved out of the way to allow the whole tray to be used. Suction grab handles can be used on a tray with a smooth surface. Version 4.0 dated 8.6.12 11 ICES Partnership Nottingham City & Nottinghamshire 4 Bases 4.1 Skis - Improves the stability of the chair. Only use the correctly compatible parts for the chairs. 4.2 Wheels - Facilitates moving the chair. The number of brakes on the chair will vary from range to range. 4.3 Braked Castors - Chairs can come with a variety of usually two brakes or four brakes. If 2 braked, these are usually placed at the rear of the chair. In some instances you may feel 4 brakes would be beneficial to ensure the chair remains still for transfers in and out. Recommend checking on assessment as to whether the chair as standard has 2 or 4 brakes wheels. 4.4 Static or Star base Static base (no wheels). May be used if child is able to self transfer / child is a baby or if rocking type chair is in use Wheeled base - consider number of braked castors required - whether wheels are swivel to ease movement Star base (often acceptable to family’s on first chair as footprint is smaller than hi / low bases) Hi low base (always on wheels) – can facilitate independent transfers/ hoisted transfers. For use when the chair is needed for a variety of activities such as social interaction and then up to family table 4.5 Hi-Lo Base - Many chairs are now supplied with a base which can have height adjustment. Often these will facilitate a low down transfer such as for a child who may be independent. The chair can then be raised to facilitate use up to a table or work top. The action of the raising can be hydraulic or by electric. Some hydraulic chairs may need some manual assistance. 4.6 If a child becomes heavy the manual assist chairs can become quite hard to operate. Electrically operated chairs are more expensive and require regular charging Note the leg position of children if being pushed up to a worktop. Is there enough space if their legs gain in length for them to get safely under the worktop Check the range of height adjustment Advise keeping the chair lower if the child rocks, or strongly extends. If they are to be left alone at any time in the chair as the increased height heightens any risk of the chair being able to be tipped over Tilt in Space - is particularly recommended for those individuals that present with: Posterior pelvic tilt (sliding down chair/sacral sitting often associated with extensor tone and patterns of movement) Version 4.0 dated 8.6.12 12 ICES Partnership Nottingham City & Nottinghamshire individuals at risk of pressure areas individuals using communication tools that need to remain in position discomfort whilst seated for long periods problems with sitting tolerance generally difficult to seat individuals that require optimum support and positioning assistance in the form of postural accessories Whilst maintaining the physical angles at hips, knees and ankles the tilt offers a change in orientation and redistributes pressure thus eliminating shearing forces often associated with recline mechanism. It is therefore beneficial in reducing risk of pressure sores and damage to skin integrity and allows the user to alternate position throughout use. Transfers can become an issue in that the seat to floor height is raised with tilt systems. It may also be difficult to position at tables without a height adjustability option. 5 Miscellaneous 5.1 Covers - Consider whether the seat has removable covers for washing or a wipe down finishing. Is the child able to manage their temperature regulation themselves. Will the covers be constantly in the wash, leaving the seat unusable or can the seat be used without the covers. 5.2 Colour of covers - Do NOT offer colour choices, all chairs and chairs purchased through ICES must be neutral non gender specific. 6 Other Definitions 6.1 Chailey Score - The Chailey approach is a method of assessing postural ability in children with movement disorders and is a validated assessment tool. It considers a child’s posture in each of five positions – lying supine (face up), lying prone (face down), floor sitting, box sitting and standing. Each of these postures has between six and eight descriptors with level 1 being greatest abnormality and asymmetry and the top level (level 6 in some areas and 8 in others) representing normal. The detailed breakdown of skills, within each level are a useful guide to therapists as to areas of specific weakness to work on. 6.2 Oxford Assessment - a comprehensive range of trunk, upper and lower limb measures to assist in prescribing supportive postural equipment. 6.3 Gross Motor Function Classification Score (GMFCS): 5 levels to indicate level of gross motor function from Level 1 (walks without aids) to level 5 (mobility is severely limited). Version 4.0 dated 8.6.12 13 ICES Partnership Nottingham City & Nottinghamshire APPENDIX B TABLE OF POSSIBLE CHAIRS WITH SIZING Seating Approx age range Seat depth Seat width Seat to footplate Backrest height User height Notes All measurements in MM A2U Odyssey A Odyssey B Odyssey C Consolor Ltd Zitzi Delphi Pro 1 Zitzi Delphi Pro 2 Zitzi Delphi Pro 3 Zitzi Sharky 1 Zitzi Sharky 2 JCM Sunbeam StarX 1 StarX 2 2006/2007 Triton 1 2006/2007 Triton 2 2006/2007 Triton 3 0845 2574967 200-320 280-400 320-450 01202 827650 170-270 240-340 300-400 400-450 450-500 01733 405830 3mth-3yr 150-275 1yr-4yr 200-300 4yr-8yr 250-350 185-305 240-360 340-460 2006/2007 Triton 4 170-290 200-330 230-410 210-330 230-380 290-470 360-460 420-520 460-562 240/270/300 280/310/340 320/350/380 >400 >500 600-1000 900-1200 1100-1600 125-160 150-185 165-365 175-355 210-405 185-360 200-410 240-460 0-280 130-300 130-350 140-360 140-360 200-425 250-450 330-390 365-425 320-460 320-460 400-600 440-560 240-510 200-425 400-600 2010 Triton 0 150-300 150-275 130-210 2010 Triton 1 2010 Triton 2 2010 Triton 3 2010 Triton 4 225-325 300-400 375-475 450-550 170-325 220-375 270-425 320-475 215-295 295-375 360-440 430-510 Version 4.0 dated 8.6.12 250-350 220-320* 350-475 400-525 475-625 525-675 The 2006/2007 Tritons have a 'pointed' foot pedal and are raised/lowered on a gas ram requiring manual assist. The footplate hanger is reversible to give a smaller seat to footplate height. 2010 Tritons have a 'round' foot pedal and are raised/lowered on a hydraulic mechanism. Triton 0 has a long sitting pad option. 14 ICES Partnership Nottingham City & Nottinghamshire Seating Approx age range JCM (continued) 2010 Neptune 1 Seat depth Seat width Seat to footplate Backrest height 01733 405830 18mth-5yr 200-325 165-325 130-290 200-325 2010 Neptune 2 5yr-10yr 325-450 265-425 260-420 325-450 Jupiter Junior 3yr-10yr 280-400 170-310 350-450 350-570 Jupiter Senior 8yr-adult 360-500 220-380 470-550 480-630 Heritage Eclipse Jenx Adult 400-520 0114 2853376 350-500 525-600 660-810 Bee 4mth-5yr 110-350 * 130-250 85-345 270-360 Giraffe Junior 1 Junior 2 Junior 3 Zeta 1 Zeta 2 Beta 1 Beta 2 Beta 3 9mth-4yr 1yr-5yr 3yr-8yr 5yr-12yr 8yr-14yr 12yr-18yr 1yr-5yr 3yr-8yr 5yr-10yr 150-310 210-305 240-320 275-390 330-430 410-530 - -320 - -400 - -465 130-230 170-330 170-330 170-330 210-360 250-390 150-330 150-330 150-330 120-350 175-280 240-380 240-420 260-530 260-530 115-320 165-335 260-380 270-360 300-420 350-470 400-520 350-500 450-660 375-460 390-495 430-535 Beta 4 9+ 270-300 240-375 235-480 450-625 Gamma 1 Gamma 2 1yr-5yr 3yr-8yr 185-265 220-320 160-330 180-330 170-310 170-360 350-455 390-495 Gamma 3 5yr-10yr 270-370 180-330 170-360 430-535 285-450 355-520 200-440 200-440 250-470 250-470 465-590 525-660 Multiseat 4 Multiseat 5 Version 4.0 dated 8.6.12 User height Have a gas ram raise/lower requiring manual assist but can be put on a Triton hydraulic base. Doesn't control hip abduction. Covers washable at 30. Both sizes recline from vertical to 25°. Tilt from horizontal to 20° back. * Long sitting pad available. Seat depth can become 370-600 with long leg conversion (using 75mm back pad) No hi/lo base. Beta 1 & 4 have not been in production since 2010 but may still be in stores. Inbuilt abduction roll to seat children in an abducted position. Discontinued since 2010 (superceded by the Junior). Can be used with a X base or a Y base. 15 ICES Partnership Nottingham City & Nottinghamshire Seating Approx age range Leckey Squiggles Mygo 1 Mygo 2 Kit 1 Kit 2 Easy seat 1 Easy seat 2 Easy seat 3 Easy seat 4 Seat depth Seat width Seat to footplate Backrest height 0800 318265 1yr-5yr 3yr-10yr 8yr-14yr 12yr-18yr 16yr-adult 1yr-3yr 2yr-5yr 3yr-8yr 190-290 270-420 350-470 360-480 410-560 175-250 225-300 250-350 160-260 200-325 220-345 215-370 215-370 125-225 150-250 225-325 122.5-270 215-350 315-470 330-510 330-510 150-230 220-300 250-350 320-480 360-470 460-570 500-620 560-675 225-285 265-340 325-425 6yr-11yr 300-400 275-375 300-420 400-500 Discontinued (produced in 1994), no dimensions available. Produced in 4 sizes. Discontinued (produced in 2001), no dimensions available. Produced in 3 sizes. Whoosh Advance seat R82 Nandu 1 Nandu 2 Nandu 3 Nandu 4 Wombat Basic 1 Wombat Basic 2 Wombat Upgrade1 Wombat Upgrade 2 Wombat Upgrade 3 0121 5612222 170-240 210-280 240-310 280-360 160-290 230-360 160-290 230-360 300-480 220 250 290 320 210-300 280-370 160-290 230-360 350-440 280-340 310-280 280-340 310-280 390-500 Panda Standard 1 220 220 290 Panda Standard 2 240 220 390 Panda Standard 2 1/2 280 250 410 Version 4.0 dated 8.6.12 User height 16 ICES Partnership Nottingham City & Nottinghamshire Seating Approx age range R82 (continued) 0121 5612222 Seat depth Seat width Seat to footplate Backrest height Panda Standard 3 310 290 440 Panda Standard 4 360 320 520 Panda Standard 5 430 350 590 Panda Active 2 240 220 350 Panda Active 2 1/2 280 250 380 Panda Active 3 310 290 400 Panda Active 4 360 320 450 Panda Active 5 430 350 590 X-Panda 1 160-260 X-Panda 2 220-320 X-Panda 3 260-390 X-Panda 4 380-530 Seating Matters 320-420 350-470 500-690 400, 450, 500, 550 400, 450, 500, 550 Phoenix Version 4.0 dated 8.6.12 270-370 028 777 66624 Sorrento Smirthwaite Heathfield 1 Heathfield 2 Heathfield 3 Juni 1 160, 200, 240 200, 240, 280 260, 310, 360 360, 400, 460 User height 01626 835552 180-240 220-310 260-340 180-240 240 280 325 240 180-230 200-300 240-370 160-220 250 280 320 260 17 ICES Partnership Nottingham City & Nottinghamshire Seating Approx age range Smirthwaite (continued) Juni 2 Juni 3 Samba 1 Samba 2 Samba 3 Samba 4 Strato 1 Strato 2 Strato 3 Strato 4 Strato 5 01626 835552 220-300 260-360 180-280 245-340 300-400 375-500 220 260 300 350 400 Seat depth Seat width Seat to footplate Backrest height 280 325 300 345 345 400 250 290 370 450 450 200-280 240-340 150-170 200-250 255-335 310-460 180-280 180-280 270-350 330-420 400-500 290 325 310-605 310-605 310-605 310-605 270-400 270-400 410-550 410-550 490-660 Discontinued, no dimensions available. Jive Symmetrikit/Helping Hand company Tiltrite small Tiltrite medium Tiltrite large Version 4.0 dated 8.6.12 User height 01531 635388 2yr-7yr 230-350 125-360 190-400 560-690 340-500 340-500 200-500 200-650 270-470 395-595 585-820 685-920 Small not available in powered version. 18 ICES Partnership Nottingham City & Nottinghamshire ICES Document Review Timescales: Review Annually Document Authors: Date 17.5.12 Officer Sarah Bailey Frances Vint Helen Dabbs Esme Hobbs Heather Patterson Ruth Keys Melanie Dean Sarah Hole Version 4.0 dated 8.6.12 Position/Group ICES Partnership Manager ICES Childrens Clinical Group Notts County Disabled Childrens Team 19