User Forum

The AusTOMs User Forum provides an opportunity for users of the tools from different centres to share information, ask questions, and provide feedback. Where possible, the AusTOMs team will answer specific questions about using tool, but we are also keen for users to share their feedback with one another, and have the opportunity to share problems and solutions. For example, * have you have come up with an innovative way to motivate staff to collect data using the AusTOMs? * have you have used AusTOMs to collect useful data to improve patient management in your centre? * have you have experienced difficulty integrating AusTOMs data collection with your current data software and would like to see if other users have found a way for it to work? * do you want to get in touch with others who work similar settings who have applied the AusTOMs? You can submit to the forum by emailing Deb Benetti at D.Benetti@latrobe.edu.au.

AusTOMs in your setting

Over the past few months, we have had numerous discussions re the possible implementation of AusTOMS within our organisation. One of the concerns that keeps being raised by our therapists is the appropriateness of AusTOMS for children with severe disabilities. Do you know of any other organisation providing services for children or adults with disabilities who is using, or planning to use, AusTOMS? Physio, Speech, and OT, Western Australia

I would also be interested to know if AusTOMS have been used for a population of children and adults with moderate to severe disabilities. Physio, Western Australia

I am interested in contacting anyone who is using this assessment in a chronic pain management setting. OT, Tasmania

I wish to know if the AusTOMs scales for use in OT have been applied in any mental health facilities recognising that only some of the scales would be applicable. OT, New South Wales

If you would like to respond or contact any of the above people in order to discuss the issues they have raised, please email D.Benetti@latrobe.edu.au.

Answers from the Team

Will there be a set of scales for paediatric populations?
The AusTOMs scales were designed for both adult and paediatric populations. We don't currently have plans to create a set of AusTOMs scales specifically for children.

Can you add the domains together to get an 'overall' score?
Each domain of the AusTOMs is independent, because each area of 'health' (e.g., Impairment, Distress/Wellbeing) can change independently. For this reason, the domains are not added together. Change over time (i.e., outcome) is reported for each domain separately.

If you have further questions or comments about the above, please email D.Benetti@latrobe.edu.au

Content Approved by: Principal Investigator
Page maintained by: Research Officer
Last Updated: 18 July, 2007