University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences – Dallas, TX, USA
Featuring: Assistant Program Director & Assistant Professor, Occupational Therapy Program
At the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences in Dallas, TX, USA, the occupational therapy program is built on hands-on, evidence-based education. To enhance students' understanding and application of pressure management concepts, the program incorporated XSENSOR® Technology's ForeSite® SS Wheelchair Seating System into its curriculum.
Occupational therapy students must be equipped to evaluate and manage pressure distribution, posture, and skin integrity for clients who use wheelchairs or require customized seating solutions. However, traditional teaching methods often lack the ability to demonstrate the real-time effects of positioning and support clearly.
There was a need for a visual, data-driven solution that could foster evidence-based education, while being intuitive enough for students to use in a lab setting.
After evaluating multiple pressure mapping systems and consulting with other clinicians, the team at the University of St. Augustine chose the ForeSite SS system from XSENSOR.
They identified the following key advantages:
The system used included two seating sensors (for the seat and back) and a full-body sensor, enabling assessments in both seated and lying positions, thereby adding flexibility to accommodate various educational and clinical needs.
The Assistant Program Director had firsthand experience with XSENSOR, dating back to 2009, while working as a wheelchair therapist in the UK, which contributed to confidence in the system's long-term value and reliability.
The system was integrated into the occupational therapy program, providing students with direct experience in interpreting real-time pressure data to inform clinical decisions.
The ForeSite SS system became an integral part of the curriculum, supporting instruction in topics such as wheelchair pressure injury prevention, posture management, and personalized care.
Specifically, the system is used in both the Assistive Technology and Client Care Management courses, reinforcing concepts around complex mobility and posture needs.
Students used the system to:
The intuitive interface helped students quickly become comfortable using advanced assistive technology. Faculty also appreciated the ease of setup and the flexibility to demonstrate the system in various learning environments.
The ongoing, personalized support from XSENSOR's team further elevated the experience, with the faculty receiving tailored training and continuous assistance even after implementation. This level of engagement created a lasting peer relationship, strengthening the trust and usability of the system in an academic environment.
The faculty enhanced the occupational therapy program curriculum by providing hands-on tools that closely replicate real-world conditions, encouraging active learning and critical thinking.
Through early exposure to real-time pressure mapping, students are building stronger connections between classroom theory and clinical skills. They're learning to interpret pressure data to support individualized care and seeing firsthand how pressure mapping can help prevent injuries.
Beyond practical experience, students are also empowered to advocate for effective posture and pressure care solutions in future clinical environments, reinforcing the program's commitment to client-centered care.
For occupational therapy programs and clinics seeking to refine their methods of teaching wheelchair seating and posture assessments, XSENSOR's ForeSite SS system provides an optimal blend of user-friendliness, clinical insight, and educational benefits.
It serves not only as an instructional resource, but also as a vital bridge between academic learning and real-world application in healthcare.
This case study reflects insights gathered from interviews and evaluations with the Assistant Program Director and Assistant Professor at the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences' Dallas Occupational Therapy Program, showcasing the benefits of integrating cutting-edge pressure mapping technology into healthcare training.