Wearing Schedules
Why do we do splint checks?
Ensure splints are doing what they are supposed to and NOT causing harm. Splints are highest area of risk for OT interventions.
Where can you obtain soft-offloading boots for your patients?
Harvey 4 wavemark room, many of the units, central stores.
Name a prefab upper extremity splint that we have available for our patients.
Answers may vary.
Factors that contribute to choosing a wearing schedule.
Tone, PROM, AROM, skin, arousal, functional use, sensation.
Why would you change a splint check date?
If you have concerns and want to check it sooner. To avoid the weekend.
Where can you obtain multipodus boots for your patients?
Some of the units, central stores.
Name a prefab upper extremity splint that we have available to our patients.
Answers may vary.
If there is a wound, what do we need to do?
Measure the wound and document! Ensure splint is not causing harm.
Wearing schedule for boots for DOC patients (normal tone).
One boot alternating between feet or 2 boots on/off every 4 hours.
Name a prefab lower extremity splint other than boots.
Soft knee extension splints.
Name a prefab upper extremity splint that we have available for our patients.
Answers may vary.
Where is central stores located?
Wearing schedule for resting hand and soft elbow on the same arm.
Depends on degree of tone, PROM, and active movement.
If we order a splint from central stores and it doesn't arrive during session, do we bill for orthotics fitting or checkout?
No. You do not bill for ordering a boot/splint if you did not fit it to the patient.
When would a multipodus boot be recommended over a soft-offloading boot?
Increasing plantarflexor tone, patient has full PROM, to prevent contracture.
Where can you obtain resting hand splints for your patients?
Harvey 4 wavemark closet, Z9 gym, Wbg 5th floor closet.
If there is a contracture (decreased PROM), what do we need to include in documentation?
Goniometry measurements!
Should splints/boots be worn 'at all times'?
No!
If we order a soft boot from central stores, when should we return to fit or check it?
Same day. Reach out to a 10-hour OT if needed. If ordering at end of day, mark as priority next day.
When would a soft-offloading boot be recommended over a multipodus boot?
Ankle contracture. Poor skin integrity. If a patient has full AROM at ankles but can't offload from bed surface.
What components of the resting hand splint from the package should you give the patient?
All of it!
A patient has an acute C6 spinal cord injury and is developing tone in finger flexors and ankle plantarflexors. What splints do you issue?
A multipodus boot alternating between feet.