National Seating & Mobility Monthly Minute
NSM Expands Access to Smart Technology Platform with LUCI Distribution Agreement
National Seating & Mobility (NSM) has partnered with LUCI to distribute the first-of-its-kind smart technology platform giving power wheelchair users unparalleled stability, security and connectivity. NSM will work closely with LUCI to expand access to the new technology, making it available to wheelchair users through their 170 locations nationwide.
“LUCI’s advanced technology and innovative design ensure safer navigation and greater mobility for our clients,” said Bill Mixon, NSM CEO. “We are proud to partner with the LUCI team on the national distribution of this revolutionary product.”
LUCI is a hardware/software platform that fits onto an existing power wheelchair and utilizes a patented sensor-fusion safety system combining data from cameras, ultrasonics and radar into a single, 360- degree view of the world. The technology works with a chair user’s steering inputs and reaction times to create a customized, safer driving experience, providing collision avoidance, drop-off protection and anti-tipping alerts. LUCI also provides cloud-based communication and alerts via a MyLuci portal, available to users in the Apple and Google Play app stores. The portal allows riders to view their data and share select information such as location and low battery notifications with trusted family, friends and caregivers. 
“We are excited to bring this advanced technology to our ATPs and clients,” said Darren Lowman, NSM Chief Supply Chain Officer. “LUCI’s cutting-edge sensor technology interfaces with the wheelchair control system to not only provide a safer driving experience for existing users, but also open the door to powered mobility for those who may have historically been limited to manual or attendant controlled systems, ultimately transforming the level of mobility and independence for these users.” 
The LUCI team spent over two and a half years in development, logged more than 40,000 hours of user testing, filed 18 patents, and partnered with clinical professionals in creating the device. It was introduced this summer.
“NSM’s national, growing footprint and experienced network of ATPs will help bring LUCI’s technology to wheelchair users across the country,” said LUCI CEO and co-founder Barry Dean. “We look forward to working together to ensure safety, solve daily challenges and offer greater independence for wheelchair users.”
Clinician Task Force Publishes Guide to Telehealth
The Clinician Task Force (CTF) has published a guide with a helpful infographic to assist seating and wheeled mobility professionals who want to use telehealth technology to work with certain Complex Rehab Technology (CRT) clients.
“The Clinician’s Guide to Use of Telehealth for CRT Service Provision” recognizes telehealth’s quantum leap in 2020, as the COVID-19 pandemic sharply restricted the ability of seating and mobility clinicians, suppliers, and consumers to meet face to face. Hospitals, clinics, skilled nursing facilities and assisted living centers turned visitors away to try to slow the virus’ spread, but an unintended side effect was the disruption of the assistive technology provision process.
While telehealth had been used by clinicians prior to the pandemic, the 2020 public health emergency accelerated its use and acceptance as a valuable alternative when face-to-face meetings aren’t possible.
Cathy Carver, PT, ATP/SMS, was the CTF’s Executive Director in 2020.
“The early impact of COVID-19 hindered access to clinics, therapists, and suppliers who provide CRT,” Carver says in the new document’s introduction. “However, with the approval of telehealth services for physical therapists (PTs) and occupational therapists (OTs), access improved. Many lessons were learned about the positive outcomes that can be obtained through the proper use of telehealth services in the provision of CRT. These positive outcomes underscore the need for federal and state policy makers to take action to make permanent the availability of telehealth from PTs and OTs on a national basis.”
The document begins with a “Considerations” section, which discusses how a seating team can prepare for a telehealth visit. Factors include determining who on the team will be appearing remotely versus in person; the experience and skill levels of each team member; which HIPAA-compliant telehealth platforms will be used; creating a backup plan to use if audio or visual communications fail during the meeting; confirming compliance with state licensure laws for OTs and PTs; and confirming that family members or caregivers are available to assist during the visit.
The document then discusses Personal Protective Equipment to be used during telehealth visits; the need for a referral prior to a telehealth visit; assessing the client’s seating and mobility needs; making equipment recommendations and selections; documentation, including why telehealth was chosen for the visit; fitting, training and delivery; clinical follow-up; and outcome measurements.
The document also includes case examples of instances in which telehealth was chosen and successfully used, and one example of why telehealth was considered, but ultimately was not used to work with an adult client with cerebral palsy.
Concluding the paper is a decision tree for determining whether or not telehealth could be a good option for a specific client.
The authors of the paper are Cathy Carver PT, ATP/SMS; Erin Michael PT, DPT, ATP/SMS; Theresa Berner OTR/L, ATP; Barbara Crume PT, ATP; Penny Powers PT, MS, ATP; and Faith Savage PT, ATP.
The paper emphasizes that the current method of in-person assessment is still the ideal. But telehealth can offer a way forward when an in-person meeting isn’t possible, whether because of a pandemic or more routine transportation issues.
“It is the expert opinion of this organization and its members that best practice in the provision of CRT is to conduct evaluations, assessments, fittings, and training in-person with a CRT Team consisting of, at minimum, the evaluating PT or OT and the CRT supplier,” the paper said.
“However, there are known exceptions and limitations in which telehealth can and should be considered as an option when the CRT Team cannot be together in-person. This document is not intended to be comprehensive nor take the place of individual clinical judgment. Rather, it is meant to be a general guide for the clinician trying to determine if using telehealth is appropriate, and, when it is appropriate, provide general guidance throughout the process for a more successful encounter.”
Monthly Products Showcase
As therapists in the Complex Rehabilitation Technology world there is nothing more exciting than new technology that can improve our patient’s lives. Our industry has created amazing things to improve the lives of those we serve but it often leaves a lot of questions on how to obtain it. How do I pick the appropriate patient for this technology? Standing power mobility is no different.  Helping guide a patient into the right equipment can be a little intimidating, but add in a power seating feature like standing, and the bar rises.  
Standing, in general, has multiple benefits to the human body. Improved bone density, increased range of motion, and pressure management are typically where our minds go to when thinking of standing, but there are many others. Common issues with prolonged sitting include digestive issues (stomach upset, GERD, etc…) along with the all too familiar bowel and bladder problems of constipation and UTIs. The introduction of a standing program whether dynamic or static can show a pretty quick improvement in constipation and urinary output. Standing has also shown to improve in patient’s pain medication usage and spasticity control for better functional activities. Being able to control flexor or extensor tone to perform functional tasks such as grooming, meal preparation, or other household chores can increase a patient’s independence and reduce the need for ongoing caregiver assistance.
Given all the amazing benefits of standing, how do you determine if standing is appropriate for your patient?  One good thing to remember is that many patients were standing prior to their injury or diagnosis and therefore would be candidates to return to standing if they have been medically cleared by a physician. In populations of patients with diagnoses that have never stood, standing can be possible with great caution and ongoing supervision. In all cases, it is highly recommended that the patient should participate in controlled trials of standing with clinical supervision to ensure that a standing program whether dynamic or static is appropriate for them.
Here are some examples of chairs with new technology that can improve your patients’ lives.
The Permobil F5 Corpus VS combined all of the performance features of the F5 Corpus with superior power standing wheelchair functionality. Fully programmable standing sequences allow user position to be optimized using supine, semi-reclined or sit to stand techniques. Further customize standing positions with adjustable anterior chest pad, moldable knee supports and power articulating footplates. From face-to-face interactions to improved health outcomes, the F5VS empowers you to explore the vast array of standing wheelchair benefits.
Contact your local NSM branch or representative to learn more about this product.
The all NEW MPS Maxx - Modular Power Standing System is available on the ROVI A3 base. Our innovative, highly adjustable MPS Maxx system combines a power standing function with a full range of power positioning options, all in a modular design that provides consumers with a unique combination of independence, function and accessibility.
In addition to the enhanced mobility and freedom offered by our MPS Maxx system, the medical benefits of adjusting to a standing position throughout the day are numerous, including better bone health, greater joint mobility, pain management, enhanced renal/bowel function and decreased risk for skin tissue breakdown.
Contact your local NSM branch or representative to learn more about this product. 
The QUICKIE Q700-UP M power wheelchair combines function and luxury for a unique driving experience. Make your day-to-day a thrill with the Q700-UP M's SpiderTrac® 2.0 Suspension, Biometric Repositioning, reliable 4-pole motors, and PG Drives electronics.
The Q700 M base is combined with our new biomechanical standing seating system. This means you can stand at up to 77° allowing you to interact with your friends face-to-face and access environments from new heights. The Q700-UP M also provides up to six programmable memory positions which can be tailored for your individual needs and wants, so at the touch of a button you can access your most commonly used positions. Find out more below
Contact your local NSM branch or representative to learn more about this product.
NSM Client Spotlight
Three-year-old Keagan Robinson doesn’t let his mobility challenges slow him down.
Keagan was diagnosed with Muscular Dystrophy at just six months old, a disease that causes muscles to break down. He is unable to put pressure on his feet or arms because of his diagnosis.
When insurance repeatedly denied claims for Keagan’s necessary equipment, NSM ATP, Zach Stewart, helped them throughout the long process, ultimately helping Keegan get moving with a new chair.
“Now that he has his chair, we get him ready for school in the morning and put him in his chair and he is able to go everywhere by himself,” said Keagan’s mom, Lauren.
Whether going to the zoo, exploring his neighborhood park, reading books (up to 25 per day!), or visiting his grandfather’s authentic Philly-inspired restaurant, Swezey’s Pub, Keagan lives his life to the fullest.
“He and his sister run around the house. He’s able to play with people and do what he wants,” said Lauren. “They were playing tag at school the other day and it was just like he’s running around playing with kids. It makes him so happy, he’s grinning from ear to ear. He’s like, ‘Mama, I’m going to come get you!’”
Click here to view additional NSM client stories.
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