Credentialing … RESNA’s program to ensure quality service delivery of Assistive Technology

In these times of restraint, we as health care professionals and equipment suppliers face great challenges as assistive technology grows at a tremendous rate. Maintaining a current level of knowledge and expertise is important in providing our customers with the best equipment to meet their needs. Our goal is to provide our clients with state-of-the-art technology to maximize their potential to complete not only activities of daily living but to pursue vocational and leisure goals within their community. As funding dollars shrink, we must ensure that technology is prescribed and utilized appropriately to cut down on waste and abandonment. As a result, the focus of assistive technology prescription and resultant funding has shifted to outcome measurement and the justification for the need and cost of required equipment.

Although many health care disciplines have clear licensing standards, the field of assistive technology encompasses people from varied backgrounds. RESNA 
(the Rehabilitation Engineering and Assistive Technology Society of North America) has reacted to the need for accountability through establishing standards of practice among assistive technology practitioners and suppliers. The goal of RESNA’s voluntary credentialing program is to assure quality in the service delivery of assistive technology, through ensuring consumer safeguards and increasing customer satisfaction. The credential of either an Assistive Technology Practitioner (ATP – service providers primarily involved in analysis of a consumer’s needs and training in the use of an AT device) or an Assistive Technology Supplier (ATS – service providers involved in the sale and service of commercially available AT devices) encompasses an established level of education, relevant experience, adherence to RESNA’s code of ethics, as well as successful completion of the credentialing exam.

The exam itself focuses on ten major content areas:

• Psychology and sociology
• Human anatomy, physiology, kinesiology and biomechanics
• Basic etiologies and pathologies
• Principles of learning and teaching
• Assessment procedures and measurement tools
• Service delivery systems and funding for assistive technology
• Principles of design and product development
• Basic product knowledge of assistve technology devices
• Integration of person, technology and environment
• Professional conduct

Although RESNA is a North American Association, the concept of credentialing has been widely adopted by US practitioners and suppliers. The need for accountability is also being identified by Canadian health care agencies, consumers and payers, including, government, insurance companies and community funding organizations. 

Although some Assistive Technology practitioners may be licensed within their own organizations, there is no specific recognition of their skill set with respect to AT assessment and service delivery. With a designation of ATP, consumers and suppliers will be aware that the practitioner is knowledgeable of current practice issues, standards and product. As a result, the assessment procedure and prescription of equipment will be done as expediently and effectively as possible, while considering all parameters of the consumers lifestyle and the effect of Assistive technology on such. 

Assistive Technology Suppliers currently have no set standards of practice, nor any governing body to ensure quality of service to the consumer. There is therefore as well, a need for consumers and practitioners to be able to identify suppliers who are current in their knowledge and training with respect to new devices available and their impact on the client’s level of functioning. In both cases, this learning and training must be kept current as a method of maintaining the credential with RESNA.

Therefore, overall, the concept of accountability to standards of practice set specifically for the Assitive Technology marketplace is welcomed not only by funding programs, but by consumers, rehabilitation professionals, and colleagues. With the current trend in rehabilitation towards improved service with decreased resources, and more client centered choice, accountability in the form of credentialing provides protection to the consumer, as well as credibility to the whole AT industry. With an identified increased knowledge and experience base both consumers, practitioners and suppliers will save time and dollars in the final provision of the Assistive Technology devices.

Kathryn Fisher B. Sc. (OT), (C) ATS
Seating and Mobility consultant, Therapy Supplies and Rental. Toronto, ON

Sheila Buck B. Sc. (OT), R, ATP
Seating and Mobility Consultant, Therapy NOW! Inc. Milton, ON