Development of National Guidelines for the Ground Rules to Lending Assistive Technology Devices in Finland.

Central Hospital Districts (CHD) in Finland provide most of the Assistive Technology Device Services (ATDS). ATDSs have been developing their work and unifying their practices regionally. Each of these 20 CHDs have their own guidelines for the ground rules for lending assistive technology devices. These ground rules include principles of ATD Services and lending rules for different device groups classified by ISO 9999 standard. There has been a growing pressure to unify the practices of ATDS nationally, because of a growing need for devices and economy. A project to unify National Guidelines was set up in spring 2016. There were four different review rounds among CHD ATD services and patient organizations. The Ground Rules will be published in 2017.

Developing User-Centered Continuous Professional Education for ATD Service Personnel.

BACKGROUND: Finnish Assistive Technology Device Service centers raised the question about education to the full-time workers of ATD Services. They nominated a group which included representatives of universities, ATD Service centers and national authorities. This small group drew up background questionnaires concerning the education, its content and length. Three universities started the education, the aim of which was to learn new methods to develop their own work, learning by doing at work with their superiors. This continuous professional education corresponded to 30 ECTS credits and lasted 10 months. RESULTS: Based on the feedback from the guiding group of CPE, students and their superiors, this type of education is needed. It met its goals by giving students methods to develop their work and broaden their view on ATD service when having discussions with other experts. Continuous professional education needs to be developed further and it could also be part of joined European education with national elements.