Medequip provides insights to occupational therapy students on equipment provision
Medical equipment provider Medequip was invited to speak with occupational therapy students at Nottingham Trent University recently, sharing knowledge and expertise to support their journey into practice.
The session formed part of Medequip’s ongoing commitment to community engagement and showcased how partnerships like these can shape the future of health and social care.
The presentation explored the vital role community equipment loan services play in enabling people to live safely and independently at home. Medequip introduced the students to how Medequip operates across the UK, supporting tens of thousands of people every year by providing access to equipment and essential daily living aids.
By engaging directly with students preparing for placements in areas where Medequip already operates, such as Derbyshire, Birmingham, and Leicestershire, it was able to bridge the gap between academic learning and real-world practice.
The session provided students with valuable insights into the day-to-day workings of community equipment services, the empowering potential of self-assessment, and the role self-funding options can play in increasing choice and improving the speed of access to support.
The highlight of the session was a hands-on product demonstration, where students interacted with low-level equipment designed to support daily activities such as washing, dressing, and eating. These tools may seem simple, but they have a profound impact on a person’s ability to maintain independence and dignity.
By sharing these insights, Medequip aims to inspire and inform the next generation of occupational therapists, ensuring they feel confident in understanding how community services like Medequip can be used as part of a person-centred approach to care.
Community engagement plays a critical role in preparing students for the challenges and opportunities they will face in practice. Through collaboration between service providers, universities, and students, Medequip aims to collectively ensure that the professionals of tomorrow are well-equipped to support people to live independently for longer.
Medequip says it is grateful to Nottingham Trent University for inviting it to be part of this important learning experience and look forward to future opportunities to engage with students and support their professional development.
The session was highly valued by the students, who described it as informative and engaging. They appreciated the clear explanation of the processes involved in accessing and purchasing equipment and small aids, both from a healthcare professional and client’s perspective. The session provided important insights into cost, ethical considerations, and the practicalities of equipment provision.
Students highlighted the usefulness of learning about online self-assessment tools and the importance of considering geographical and environmental factors when supporting clients.
The discussion around the psychological impact of equipment, both positive and negative, was particularly thought-provoking. They also felt better prepared to approach sensitive topics, such as toileting, thanks to the open and honest real-life examples shared.
The opportunity to see and handle a wide range of equipment and small aids was seen as a valuable and timely experience ahead of their placements, especially as such access is limited in academic settings.
Overall, the students praised the session for its relevance, openness, and knowledge.
Medequip recently selected Vanaways as its go-to partner for rapid supply vehicles.
