Rehab pavilion: Empowering professionals

The name may have changed, but the commitment to rehab professionals is even greater at the RSTce Advancing Mobility Complex Rehab Pavilion on the Medtrade show floor, sponsors say.

The name change reflects the enhanced influence of the University of Pittsburgh's Department of Rehabilitation Science & Technology Continuing Education, which organizes the International Seating Symposium and is presenting educational sessions for technicians and clinicians at Medtrade.

By adding the RSTce identity to the pavilion, Medtrade is making a serious effort to attract professionals in the field to see new products, earn continuing education units and gain fresh insights into patient care. The pavilion is a significant feature of the show, as survey results reveal an increasingly healthy interest in rehab and mobility products, with 31% interested in power chairs, said Mark Schmeler PhD, assistant professor at the University of Pittsburgh School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences.

“Our goal is to have a small concentrated presence and an opportunity for some CRT providers and clinicians to come for a day or so to get continuing education units and see some products in the exhibit hall,” he said. “There are also attendees at Medtrade who have an interest in learning more about complex rehab technology.”

The pavilion will offer six one-hour educational sessions for a total of 0.6 accredited CEUs that can be used toward RESNA ATP or NRRTS requirements. To meet varying interests, sessions will focus on different topics, including the application of seat functions and alternative controls for power wheelchairs, documentation and proper claims processing, outcome measures, and a session on updates to advocacy.

“Of the sessions dedicated to preparing proper claims for PMD, one features an interdisciplinary panel of expert providers and clinicians who will discuss roles and responsibilities in the process,” Schmeler said.