Evidence-based practice guidelines for prescribing home modifications for clients with bariatric care needs

Area of Science:

• Occupational therapy
• Home modification research
• Bariatric care standards

Background:

• Home modifications are crucial for functional independence and safety.
• Limited literature exists for prescribing home modifications for bariatric clients.
• Rising obesity rates necessitate evidence-based practices for bariatric home modifications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To map Australian home modification prescribing practices for clients with bariatric care needs.
• To establish and evaluate a clinical resource for this prescription process.

Main Methods:

• Phase 1: Cross-sectional survey of Australian therapists and industry partners involved in bariatric home modifications.
• Phase 2: Design, implementation, and evaluation of a clinical resource.
• Data analysis included descriptive statistics and multivariable regression.

Main Results:

• Therapists reported 11 different bariatric weight definitions; less than 3% regularly prescribed modifications.
• Uncertainty regarding rail load capacity was common, though linked to experience and manufacturer guidance.
• Post-implementation of the clinical resource improved consensus on bariatric terminology and consultation with industry professionals.

Conclusions:

• Inconsistent bariatric terminology and uncertainty in rail load capacity were identified.
• Minimal use of clinical practice guidelines was observed.
• Additional resources are needed to standardize prescribing practices and optimize occupational performance for bariatric clients.