Component Selection
Component selection requires analyzing the patient’s functional needs and environmental and personal factors, then identifying which technical features and specifications will best address these requirements.
- Functional (activity/participation) needs = What the patient specifically needs to do
- Environmental factors = Climate, Chemicals/acidity, Weight and size of objects, Physical geography, Community/support system, Use of other adaptive tools, Prosthesis comfort
- Personal factors = Preferences (function, comfort, cosmesis, reliability, cost), Coping style, Past and current experiences, Culture, beliefs, Locus of control
- Technical features and specifications = How the device operates, what it can do, and the technical data
- Features, e.g. Voluntary-opening mechanism, Stainless steel construction, Nitril lining
- Specifications, e.g. Grip force: 9-35 lbs, Hook opening: 3.5”, Weight: 12 oz, Wrist flexion: 0-35° with friction adjustment range: 5-15 ft-lbs torque
- “The voluntary-closing hook (feature) provides >20 lbs of grip force (specification), which meets the patient’s need to stabilize objects weighing up to 15 lbs (environment) during bi-manual work tasks.”
Justification for component selection
A good justification statement clearly describes how the component’s technical feature and specifications match the functional needs of the patient with consideration of the patient-centered environmental and personal factors. A good justification links the four elements together. E.g.,
- “Patient works as a commercial fisherman, with daily exposure to saltwater, fluctuating temperatures (35-85°F), and high-impact activities. The body-powered hook with corrosion-resistant stainless-steel construction is indicated over myoelectric options, which would fail due to moisture exposure and lack of access to charging facilities during multi-day fishing trips.”
Funding sources (e.g., Medicare, insurance companies) need to understand why this specific component with these specific features is medically necessary for this specific patient’s activity limitations and/or participation restrictions. The justification verifies you’re not requesting fancy features unnecessarily—you’re matching the component’s operation/specifications to genuine functional needs.