Our Occupational Therapy Team Reflect on Learning, Innovation and Impact

In July, our occupational therapists and OTA attended the Posture & Mobility Group (PMG) Conference 2025‚ a leading event for professionals working in posture, seating, and mobility. The conference provided a platform for clinical learning, innovation, and collaboration.  Our team returned with renewed insight and practical strategies to enhance outcomes for individuals with complex physical needs.

Jo’s Thoughts: A Holistic Approach to Postural Care

Jo, one of our senior therapists, emphasised the importance of adopting a 24-hour postural care model‚ a shift that considers not only seating, but also lying and standing positions throughout the day and night.

Even with extensive experience in this field, there’s always more to learn. The conference really reinforced how vital it is to look at postural care across the full 24 hours‚ not just when someone is seated. That shift in thinking helps us make more meaningful, person-centred recommendations.

Jo’s learning has already informed her clinical reasoning, particularly in assessing complex presentations such as high muscle tone, scoliosis, and progressive neurological conditions. She’s also integrating pressure mapping and other advanced tools to support decision-making and prevent pressure injuries. Crucially, Jo is placing greater emphasis on collaborative care, ensuring families and carers are actively involved in assessments and fittings.

Kate’s Highlights: Adaptive Design and AI Integration

Kate was inspired by sessions that showcased real-world innovation and the value of iterative design:

• A case study involving a gentleman who had lost both upper limbs demonstrated how continuous adaptation of hand controls led to a solution that was comfortable, sensitive, and accurate.
• Another session explored AI-driven wheelchair technology, where users could steer using headrests and foot pedals. The system intelligently filtered out accidental movements, responding only to purposeful gestures.

It was a brilliant reminder that trial and error is not just acceptable‚ it’s essential when striving for the perfect fit.

These examples reinforced the importance of personalisation and persistence in achieving optimal outcomes for clients with highly specific mobility needs.

Ciara’s Reflections: Customisation and Cutting-Edge Tech

Ciara was particularly struck by the potential of custom-made seating and the growing role of assistive technology:

The idea that cushions and seating can be personally modified to fit an individual’s specific needs was so interesting. Custom-made seating might be a real option for some people.

It’s amazing to see how technology is helping people gain independence‚ especially those who don’t have hand mobility. Using specialised glasses or head and foot movements to control a power chair is just brilliant.

Translating Learning into Practice

Since returning from PMG, our team has been actively applying what we’ve learned:

• Trialling new equipment with suppliers met at the conference, including adaptable seating systems and pressure-relieving cushions.
• Enhancing assessments with a more holistic, evidence-informed approach.
• Strengthening collaboration with families and carers to ensure interventions are practical, sustainable, and person-centred.

These actions are already making a tangible impact‚ supporting better outcomes, greater independence, and improved quality of life for the individuals we work with.

Also see:

A Case Study in Custom Wheelchair Adaptation and Innovation

Seating and Posture Assessment

Specialist Wheelchair Assessment

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