Current practice in the prescription of shower facilities.

Introduction: Even with the use of aids, accessing the bath can be difficult for many people with physical impairments. To have a shower installed allows a person to be washed in a more socially acceptable and personally satisfying way while restoring safety and independence (Pain 2003). In Northern Ireland the prescription of a shower facility for an individual is predominately based on the space available in the bathroom and the type of seating required. But what size is best for the end user and their carers?Methods: This workshop is to facilitate discussion of occupational therapists (OTs) from all parts of the UK who are involved in the prescription of shower facilities to gauge what types of trays are being recommended, what sizes are best for certain seating types and client conditions. A series of open ended questions will be used to gauge practice across the UK.Results: The workshop will help draw together the collective experience of OTs across regions, to produce a set of best practice guidelines that can be tested in local areas. This will provide a more consistent approach to shower prescription regardless of postcode, allowing therapists to ensure they are utilising the latest collective experience, which will in turn providing the end user with the best possible facilities.