[The practice of needs assessment for the supply with technical aids in The Netherlands]

In Germany the assessment of needs for technical aids occurs widely unsystematic and without the possibility to verify the advice process. A systematic assessment of individual needs for technical aids that follows standardised indication criteria so far has not been paid much attention. Compared with this, the advice and supply measures in the Netherlands are increasingly based on a systematic and comprehensible analysis of the individual inquiry. This analysis is called "indication and selection advice" and is usually carried out by therapists. Under Dutch law, consultants can act rather independently of any commercial interest. The basics of the analysis derive from the ICIDH and theoretical models of occupational therapy. Besides an overview of the legislation on the supply with technical aids in the Netherlands, the procedure of needs assessment plus a specific instrument based on occupational therapy knowledge are presented. The realization of advice as a defined part of the supply process required a new definition of tasks for occupational therapists. The resulting changes in the comprehension of professional roles are briefly described, too. The results of this investigation regarding the practice of needs assessment in the Netherlands suggest that changes are also required in the German service delivery system and its legal basis. Because of their specific expert knowledge of indication and selection of suitable technical aids, a more extensive involvement of occupational therapists in this key process of measures of home adaptation and the supply with technical aids is recommended in Germany, too. The development of practicable, standardised instruments to assess individual needs is advisable because it will contribute to increased efficiency of the supply with technical aids.