Sunrise Medical adds clinical blog

FRESNO, Calif. - As clinical education specialists for Sunrise Medical, Steve Boucher and Angie Kiger are on the road a lot, teaching therapists and assistive technology practitioners (ATPs) about fitting and sizing wheelchairs. Now they have a home away from home on the Web.

Sunrise Medical in February added a clinical blog to its website featuring monthly posts from Boucher, a licensed occupational therapist and ATP; and Kiger, a certified therapeutic recreation specialist (CTRS) and ATP who has a master's degree in education.

“The discussions that occur during these educational events are so valuable, we asked ourselves, how do we virtualize those discussions,” said Michael Proffitt, vice president of product management and marketing.

Sunrise Medical already has a strong virtual connection with end users, as evidenced by the 30,000 likes on its Facebook page.

By also strengthening its virtual connection with therapists and ATPs, Sunrise Medical believes it can create “a more open and educated workforce,” Proffitt says.

“It's a way that we can try to develop and improve the application of our products in the industry,” he said. “It will expand horizons. Things they weren't comfortable doing before, they'll be more comfortable doing.”

The content of the blogs will vary from month to month, but Boucher and Kiger will likely use their educational events as a springboard.

“Any questions at the end of the event that come up, they can post that to the blog,” said Kristyn Campbell, senior marketing manager. “Anything going on in the industry related to funding and reimbursement, they can post about that, too.”

Big picture, the clinical blog is another step Sunrise Medical is taking to fulfill its mission statement.

“We're always thinking about how we can improve people's lives,” Proffitt said. “By having this blog and by having these discussions, we believe that gets us closer.”