Assistive Devices: An Audit of Waiting Times

Abstract

People with rheumatic diseases often require an assistive device at some stage to enable them to carry out their normal activities of daily living without placing undue strain on their affected joints. Up till 1995, most assistive devices in Fife were provided through statutory provision via the Fife Social Work Service. However, the Fife Rheumatic Diseases Unit (FRDU) occupational therapists felt that the speed of the supply did not match patient need. An 18-month audit was set up to establish the current situation and to seek an appropriate intervention which would minimise the delays in patients obtaining these devices. The first audit showed that patients waited an average of 39 days for an assistive device. The FRDU then took on the direct supply of consumables and the second audit showed that waiting times were reduced to an average of 21 days, an improvement of 18 days.