Date: Wednesday, April 2, 2025
Category: General
RESNA, the Rehabilitation Engineering and Assistive Technology Society of North America, is pleased to announce the publication of two position papers for assistive technology professionals:
A RESNA Position Paper on Clinical Practice is an official statement by the organization that, based on the consensus of experts and evidence, summarizes current research and best-practice trends in relevant areas of Assistive Technology. These Position Papers on Clinical Practice, issued by RESNA, an international professional organization, declare the necessity (medical and/or functional) of specific assistive technology devices and services under appropriate circumstances, and guide practitioners in decision making. Position papers are not meant to take the place of clinical advice, but rather inform clinicians, suppliers, payors, policy makers and consumers about the research and available evidence for specific technologies.
RESNA Position Papers follow a rigorous procedure for development, which includes a comprehensive review of the available scientific literature, documented best practices, and expert and public review. Finally, the position paper must be approved by the RESNA Board of Directors.
Position papers are offered free of charge to the community, to advance science and increase access to important technologies that may benefit people with disabilities and older adults.
About RESNA Position on Assistive Technology for Lying Care Posture Management
This paper provides a definition of what is and what is not Lying Posture Care Management (LCPM), what populations may benefit from LPCM, the evidence that supports its use, and what types of assistive technology are available. Besides advocating for the appropriate use of Lying Posture Care Management, the paper also encourages practitioners to continue the development of interventions, urges researchers to produce more and better-quality research, and offers practitioners justification of funding in their practice and to make available evidence for policy decisions.
The paper was developed and written by RESNA members Patricia O’Toole, MAT, MSOT, OTR/L, ATP, of Clear Path Occupational Therapy in Seattle, WA; Tamara Kittelson, Executive Director of Posture 24/7 in Minneapolis, MN; Lee Ann Hoffman, OTD, MSc., OTR, ATP/SMS, CAPS, affiliated with the University of St. Augustine for Health Services in Dallas, TX; Jennifer Hutson, PhD, OTR/L, ATP, with St. Catherine University in St. Paul, MN; and Kourtni Bopes, OTD, OTR/L with the Central Wisconsin Center in Madison, WI.
About RESNA Position on the Application of Tilt, Recline, and Elevating Leg Rests for Wheelchairs: Literature Update 2023
This paper provides a literature update on the previous paper, which was published in 2015. The paper covers how to use seat functions to optimize functional posture while seating in either a power or manual wheelchair; how to use seat functions to enhance physiological processes; and how to use seat functions to redistribute and relieve pressure to prevent skin breakdown.
The paper was developed and written by RESNA members Jillian Kenderish, Magee Rehabilitation Hospital, Philadelphia, PA; Tabatha James, Numotion, Knoxville, TN; Rebecca Russell, UPMC Center for Assistive Technology, Pittsburgh, PA; Heather Cianciolo, Permobil Americas, Narragansett, MA; Jennifer Bernstein, Permobil, Monrovia, MD; and Grace Denfeld, The Afya Foundation of America, Yonkers, NY.
For more information, contact Andrea Van Hook, RESNA Executive Director, at execoffice@resna.org or 202-367-1121.