Energy Conservation Planning through P.O.M.E. Guidelines – Jason M., OT

 When returning home, patients with cardiac or respiratory diagnoses have a particular concern when planning their daily routines and activities: will I have enough energy to make it through the day? Being able to answer this question can sometimes mean the difference between a patient’s successful independent discharge or need for further services. To help patients with limited endurance or activity tolerance succeed, training on Energy Conservation Techniques (ECT) is important. Some of the standards, such as plan frequent rest breaks and oxygen monitoring are important, but to help you explain and apply ECT to a patient in their home environment I encourage you to consider and use the P.O.M.E. Guideline.

Energy Conservation through

Plan Organize Manage Execute

–         Plan your day before you even begin:

o       Think about what events/activities you will have to complete throughout the day and eliminate any activities you can that may require too much energy for you to complete, or are not necessary.

o       Plan enough time for activities to allow for rest breaks and so you don’t have to rush through task.

o       Make time for long rests and naps to help sustain your energy throughout the day.

–         Organize your environment:

o       Setup furniture, facilities, and items throughout your environment for easy access to minimize the time and energy spent moving from one activity to the next.

o       Set out frequently used items and supplies to make them readily available. This will eliminate item retrieval. Also, setup supplies used in the same tasks close to one another to create a “one-stop” area.

o       Organize tasks so that they can be completed from a sitting position as appropriate.

–         Manage your environment:

o       Keep checklists, inventory, and monitor your supplies and equipment. Notify caregivers/family early when items or supplies are running out, so that they can be refilled.

–         Execute your plans:

o       Try to follow your daily plan as best as possible.

o       Make sure you allow yourself frequent rest breaks. Don’t work yourself to the point you are out of breathe.

o       Keep a phone close at all times should you need to call for help or get too tired to safely continue.

o       Don’t get discouraged, and take your time.

I would like to note that the P.O.M.E. Guideline is not my original idea, however I have clarify, expanded upon, and trialed its use with many patients. Of the several I have tried, I have found the P.O.M.E. Guidelines to be most comprehensible, applicable, and user-friendly. With clear education, discussion, and review with a patient, I think you will find that the P.O.M.E. Guidelines can apply to nearly every patient when ECT is a concern.

I hope these guidelines can help clarify ECT for your patients to assist them in planning their discharge home and making every ounce of energy count toward success.