Closomat clinical specification tool gives healthcare professionals more time for patient care
Wash and dry toilet manufacturer Closomat has launched a new clinical specification tool that helps healthcare professionals to assess, specify and recommend appropriate toileting solutions more efficiently.
The new clinical specification tool Pathway 1.0 supports faster, more consistent equipment recommendations while keeping clinical judgement at the heart of decision making.
Developed using guidance from The Occupational Therapy Service alongside the expertise of Closomat’s team, Pathway 1.0 provides occupational therapists with a structured, evidence-informed approach to identifying the most appropriate toileting solution based on an individual’s functional needs, home environment and level of independence.
The digital tool has been designed to help clinicians to reduce time spent researching suitable toileting solutions and improve consistency in equipment recommendations. The tool supports evidence-based clinical decision making by producing clear, justifiable specifications for commissioners and funding bodies.
Using Pathway 1.0, occupational therapists are guided through a series of structured clinical questions covering an individual’s functional abilities, clinical presentation, home environment and toileting needs.
Based on their responses, the tool identifies the most appropriate Closomat solution and generates a tailored specification, including the recommended product configuration and an indicative budget estimate.
This provides clinicians with a clear, evidence-informed specification that can be used to support funding applications, commissioning discussions and installation planning, helping to streamline the pathway from assessment to provision.
Ray Rochester, National Key Account Manager at Closomat, said: “Occupational therapists tell us that one of their biggest challenges isn’t making clinical decisions, it’s finding enough time to make them well. Increasing caseloads and administrative demands mean clinicians are under constant pressure.
“Pathway 1.0 has been developed to support, not replace, professional judgement. It provides a clear clinical framework that helps therapists identify appropriate toileting solutions more quickly and confidently, allowing them to spend more time where they’re needed most – supporting people to maintain their independence, dignity and quality of life.”
Pathway 1.0 can be used across a wide range of complex and progressive conditions where toileting presents a significant challenge. Whether supporting people with neurological conditions, age-related frailty, learning disabilities or complex physical needs, the tool helps clinicians produce robust, evidence-informed recommendations that can streamline equipment provision and reduce unnecessary delays.
Adam Ferry, Director and Occupational therapists at The Occupational Therapy Service, adds: “No digital tool can replace an occupational therapist’s clinical expertise, but it can make the specification process more efficient. By providing a structured framework based on clinical practice, Pathway 1.0 helps therapists make informed decisions more quickly, freeing up valuable time to focus on assessment, problem solving and improving outcomes for the people they support.
“Having contributed guidance to its development, it’s encouraging to see a resource that supports consistency in equipment specification while recognising that clinical judgement will always remain at the heart of decision making.”
The launch forms part of Closomat’s ongoing commitment to supporting occupational therapists with practical clinical resources, education and guidance that make day-to-day practice easier.
Closomat is exploring the findings of the Royal College of Occupational Therapists’ landmark Building Health into Homes report during a free webinar on Thursday 20 August.
