RESNA Seating and Mobility Specialist (SMS) Examinations are based on the exam outline below
I. PERFORMANCE OF SEATING AND MOBILITY ASSESSMENT
A. Determines the reason for referral, the problem, and the need
B. Clarifies the primary problems as the focus of the seating and mobility assessment
C. Differentiates among the consumers' needs, desires, concerns, abilities, function, potential, limitations, risks and precautions
D. Determines possible intervention and equipment and be able to explain in terms that the consumer can understand
E. Explains to the consumer the components of the evaluation process (e.g., assessment of posture, skin, mobility, function as well as product trial, specifications, funding, fitting and training process)
F. Assimilates relevant information from the medical record, interviews with consumer/caregiver, and other team members to identify needs and goals (e.g., ventilator/respiration needs)
G. Reviews current seating and mobility devices used and discusses the pros and cons of these devices (e.g., what works well, what doesn't, and why)
H. Analyzes consumer's current level of activities and participation
I. Analyzes use of current assistive technology devices in addition to seating and mobility technologies by means of observation, interviews, and quantitative measures
J. Uses performance measurements to define the baseline function in order to document the effectiveness of intervention
K. Performs or assists in a physical assessment (determining current seating posture, muscle tone and strength, joint/muscle flexibility, etc.)
L. Performs or assists in a functional seating assessment to determine optimal support needed to maximize function, comfort and posture by using various types of simulations (planar seating, molded seating, hand)
M. Performs or assists in an equipment assessment/review of potential power mobility product options in varied environments (determining compatibility of multiple components, ease of equipment breakdown, pressure relief, etc.)
N. Performs or assists in an equipment assessment/review of potential manual mobility product options in varied environments (determining compatibility of multiple components, ease of equipment breakdown, pressure relief, etc.)
O. Performs or assists in a functional assessment of the client for potential manual mobility product options in varied environments (assessing endurance, efficiency, mobility skills, etc)
P. Performs or assists in a functional assessment of the client with potential power mobility product options in varied environments (assessing ability to operate proportional joystick, power seating needs, mobility skills, etc)
Q. Integrates information gained from assessment procedures with clinical experience in order to identify critical problem list
R. Identifies areas of integration of seating and mobility with other devices (e.g., postural components, switch access, augmentative communication, computer access, respiratory equipment)
S. Utilizes appropriate seating and mobility related tests and measurement tools (e.g., pressure mapping, balance testing, fall-risk assessment)
T. Interprets pertinent data relating to the measurement tools accurately
U. Consults and collaborates with appropriate professionals and resources as part of a complete seating and mobility assessment
V. Recommends modifying or adjusting current equipment or obtaining new equipment
W. Provides documentation, or assists with documentation, to justify recommendation (e.g., cost-benefit analysis, terminology, medical justification
X. Utilizes evidence-based practice to guide analysis and recommendations
II. FUNDING RESOURCES, COVERAGE, AND PAYMENT
A. Informs consumers regarding the specific funding eligibility criteria that exist for complex mobility and seating equipment that must be considered as an integral part of the evaluation
B. Provides rationale for the requested seating and mobility system (as it pertains to the consumer's coverage policy)
C. Critiques all necessary documents received from team members (supplier, therapist and physician) to establish accuracy and quality of information being submitted for review by a third-party payer
D. Facilitates and participates in the appeal process e.g., a non-payment, non-prior authorization, non-coverage, and downcoding
III. IMPLEMENTATION OF INTERVENTION
A. Reviews product specifications, integration and compatibility for safety implications and verifies performance, quality and accuracy
B. Analyzes set-up and configuration process to compare with assessment recommendations (e.g., observation, interview, quantitative measures)
C. Participates in the fitting and set-up of postural support
D. Participates in the set-up and configuration of a manual wheelchair for "optimal performance."
E. Participates in the set-up, configuration and programming of power mobility devices
F. Participates in the integration of multiple technologies working from or through the chair.
G. Performs or assists in training the consumer and others in the general use of a mobility product (e.g., transportation, transfers) in varied environments
H. Performs or assists in training the consumer and others in the use of POWER mobility product (operating proportional joystick, power seating) in varied environments
I. Performs or assists in training the consumer and others in the use of MANUAL MOBILITY product (mobility skills on varied terrains, efficiency, propulsion techniques).
J. Modifies device, programming and/or set-up based on the client's performance during training to ensure safety and maximum functional use
K. Trains the consumer and others in troubleshooting
IV. OUTCOME ASSESSMENT AND FOLLOW UP
A. Compares and documents actual outcomes with anticipated outcomes (e.g., goals) to determine if goals were met.
B. Recognizes consumer dissatisfaction or change of status, equipment failure, or other poor outcomes, and takes appropriate action to improve and optimize the intervention in conjunction with other members of the team.
C. Analyzes the current set-up and configuration and compares it with intended set-up and configuration (e.g., observation, interview, quantitative measures) during the follow-up period
V. PROFESSIONAL BEHAVIOR
A. Advances expertise in the field by keeping abreast of latest research, best practice and technological advances in the field of seating and mobility.
B. Acts as a mentor or resource to colleagues, associates and students
C. Works with policy makers to develop equitable coverage policies
D. Maintains and distributes documentation that is relevant, appropriate, accurate and timely
Recognized Acronyms
The Recognized Acronyms list features common acronyms that are recognized in the field of assistive technology. Certification candidates are expected to be familiar with these acronyms, as they may appear in the exam. Click here for the Recognized Acronyms list.