Physiotherapist checklist for writing strong SRNA-SDA reports for non-List exercise equipment

A checklist to assist physiotherapists to prepare robust, outcome-focused Single Discipline Assessment reports when recommending exercise equipment.

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Information gathering

• Reason for referral

• Covered injury

• Relevant health history

• Client goals

• Current rehabilitation

• Current exercise programme

• Current exercise equipment

• Exercise participation and barriers

Objective findings

• Mobility, balance and transfers

• Upper- and lower-limb function

• Range of movement

• Strength

• Tone and spasticity

• Relevant outcome measures

• Home environment considerations

• Safety considerations

Clinical reasoning

• Why equipment is required in the home

• What alternatives were discounted

• The equipment features and specifications required to met injury related need

• Equipment options that have these features, and their costs

• Expected functional and rehabilitation benefits of the equipment

• Relevant evidence or best-practice guidance

Recommendation and next steps

• Recommended equipment with your clinical rationale

• Reasons the other equipment was discounted

• Plan for purchase or trial

• How a successful trial is expected to be determined

• Expected frequency and duration of use

• Exercise monitoring plan

• Related carer/whānau support needs

• Note client preference for alternative equipment

Final report check

• Clearly explain injury related need for the proposed equipment and how it is expected to meet the client's goals

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References

Please refer to the ACC references below for further details of the information required in ACC Social Rehabilitation Needs Assessment reports.

ACC. (2023). Social Rehabilitation Needs Assessment (SRNA) Services operational guidelines. https://www.acc.co.nz/assets/contracts/srna-og.pdf

ACC. (2023). Managed Rehabilitation Equipment Service (MRES) operational guidelines. https://www.acc.co.nz/assets/contracts/mres-og.pdf

Enable New Zealand. (2025). Bridging the Gaps in Clinical Reasoning: Turn Assessments into Strong ACC Reports. https://www.enable.co.nz/item/blog_post/bridging-the-gaps-in-clinical-reasoning

SCI Physiotherapy Guide. (n.d.). SCI Physiotherapy Guide. https://sciptguide.com/

World Health Organization. (n.d.). International classification of functioning, disability and health (ICF). https://www.who.int/standards/classifications/international-classification-of-functioning-disability-and-health

Enable New Zealand. (2025). Upper and lower limb trainers - Comparison chart. Enable New Zealand. https://www.enable.co.nz/tools/forms/cc-upper-lower-limb-trainers

ACC. (2009). Guide to Outcome Measures Reporting. https://www.acc.co.nz/home/search?Search=outcome+measures&submit.x=11&submit.y=8