Time pressures in occupational and physical therapy

person holds a smartphone in a tiled bathroom while using the BathCheck app; Copyright: Showerbuddy

A therapist uses the BathCheck app on a smartphone to record precise shower dimensions during a bathroom assessment – streamlining the process of selecting suitable mobility equipment.

Occupational therapists (OTs) and physical therapists (PTs) worldwide face increasing demands on their time. According to the World Health Organization, an estimated 1.3 billion people live with significant disabilities, driving a growing need for precise mobility assessments. These professionals are responsible not only for conducting in-depth evaluations but also for coordinating with funding providers, insurers, suppliers, and families.

"If there is one thing we have learned, it is that time is at an absolute premium in this industry," states Showerbuddy. "Every assessment and recommendation must be precise."

A major time burden lies in conducting bathroom assessments – tasks that require accurate measurements, comparisons of mobility equipment, and detailed documentation. Errors in this process can delay care, increase costs, and negatively impact quality of life.

BathCheck: a practical digital tool for bathroom assessments

In response to these challenges, Showerbuddy developed BathCheck, a guided digital tool designed for use on computers, tablets, and smartphones. The app supports OTs, PTs, and equipment providers in performing structured, efficient bathroom evaluations.

Key features of BathCheck include:

Step-by-step guided assessments for bathroom measurements such as doorway width, shower access, toilet placement, and fixture spacing.

Built-in logic to match measurements with compatible Showerbuddy transfer chair systems and accessory options.

Digital data capture that replaces paper notes, reducing the risk of transcription errors and lost records.

Instant report generation including images and measurements, easily shareable with suppliers and funding agencies.

Secure storage of client assessments for future access or updates.

OT feedback at the core of development

The design of BathCheck is based on years of feedback from therapists. Their insights informed everything from user interface and workflow to the logic behind equipment recommendations.

"We knew we could improve this process," explains Showerbuddy. "With our extensive experience in bathroom mobility solutions, we set out to develop a tool that would make assessments faster, easier, and paper-free while maintaining accuracy."