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The Future of AT Reutilization: “What Has Changed Since We Were Together Last?”

The Future of AT Reutilization: “What Has Changed Since We Were Together Last?”. Sara Sack, Director Assistive Technology for Kansans Atlanta, GA September 15, 2009. New Evidence to Support Reuse ( 1/2 ). Data from FREE Foundation, MEND, ParaQuad, and others showing: Greater independence

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The Future of AT Reutilization: “What Has Changed Since We Were Together Last?”

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  1. The Future of AT Reutilization: “What Has Changed Since We Were Together Last?” Sara Sack, Director Assistive Technology for Kansans Atlanta, GA September 15, 2009

  2. NewEvidence to Support Reuse (1/2) • Data from FREE Foundation, MEND, ParaQuad, and others showing: • Greater independence • Increased safety in home without premature Nursing Home Admittance • Decrease in falls, ER visits, and hospital stays • $2.2 M in cost savings to Virginia communities (2007) • $724,888 cost savings in San Antonio (2008)

  3. New Evidence to Support Reuse (2/2) • Medicaid Transformation Process (May, 2009) • Reutilization identified as a “Best Practice” • Kansas Reutilization program saved state $1.3 M since 2004 • Kansas Reutilization program saved approximately $2 for every $1 spent • AT decreases overall support costs (Italian study) • Plus evidence that each of you have shared in our meetings this week

  4. Trends in AT Reutilization • Global issue (Data from US and EU) • In the US calls and inquiries regarding possible collaboration on reutilization of AT are coming from many sectors simultaneously • Interest is coming from high levels of management and program operation • Acceptance of the concept, and a “wish we had started yesterday” tone

  5. Factors Contributing to Increased Interest in Reutilization (1/3) • Economy • Stressed state budgets • Concern over rising healthcare costs • Aging population • By 2010 1/3 of citizens in the European Union are 65-79 years old • In Finland by 2010 50% of the population will be over 65 • Increased need for technology and home modifications

  6. Factors Contributing to Increased Interest in Reutilization (2/3) • Focus on increased productivity • Focus shifting from usability, adaptability to being productive in community, employment, learning environments • Concern for environment and recycling in general • Increased attention to e-waste • In the Czech Republic, one of the newer EU countries, 13 M SIM cards, 10.5 M people

  7. Factors Contributing to Increased Interest in Reutilization (3/3) • Emergency Preparedness and Disaster Response • Use of used equipment in shelter and as replacement technology • Inclusion of reutilization programs in state emergency preparedness plans

  8. Opportunities for Increased Collaboration (1/3) • Sessions at this workshop and the focus on lessons learned regarding program operation and expansion • Many more tools exist to help with starting and expanding reutilization programs • Programs are becoming much more skilled in determining which services they might offer to collaborators (tracking, inventory control, follow-up, customer satisfaction, equipment recovery and reassignment, etc.)

  9. Opportunities for Increased Collaboration (2/3) • PIOC materials are being developed to support programs in reaching out to potential collaborators • PIOC staff can help programs approach and work with collaborators • In 2008 AT Act Programs from 10 states and 2 territories secured $629,227 from collaborative partners • Round table discussions about funding and collaborative partners

  10. Opportunities for Increased Collaboration (3/3) • Looking in new directions for collaborators • Health and Wellness • Short Term Rehabilitation Centers • State Insurance Commission, Private Insurance • Vocational Rehabilitation • Aging (Departments and Organizations) • Local government

  11. Pitfalls and Perils? (1/3) • Work smart—let the data guide us • Create a balance between requests and equipment • Conduct targeted efforts to locate specific equipment • Keep an eye on Return on Investment (ROI)

  12. Pitfalls and Perils? (2/3) • Be careful—don’t over commit or commit to the wrong effort • Know how much it costs your program to provide a service • Make sure your collaborative partners goals and mission are in sync with your program’s goals

  13. Pitfalls and Perils?(3/3) • Attend a full range of sessions at the conference and learn from your peers—listen to their “lessons learned” • Keep in contact with the folks you’ve met here in Atlanta • Contact PIOC for assistance—they have a wealth of information and are ready to help

  14. Suggestion for the future? Develop a range of collaborative partnerships across the areas of health care, senior services, and emergency management and include DME suppliers and consumers at every step of operation. QUESTIONS? ssack@ku.edu

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