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Project Quantum Leap: Shaping the Future of the O&P Profession
By Julie G. Hayes  Project Quantum Leap (PQL) is the most important
initiative the Academy has undertaken in its 30-year history. It is
a multi-year initiative in which the American Academy of Orthotists
and Prosthetists seeks to advance the O&P profession in several
areas. The Academy will conduct consensus conferences to document
Clinical Standards of Practice for the profession, initiate public
awareness programs about O&P as a career choice, ensure
financial support of O&P university-based programs, and obtain
funds for O&P applied research projects. The Academy will seek
to raise money through contributions and/or grants from private and
public venues to support PQL activities.
Documenting Professional Standards
Clinical standards of practice are needed. The opportunity to
compile a collective body of knowledge from nationally recognized
experts through consensus conferences on selected O&P topics
will do much to establish a benchmark for care and greatly improve
outcomes.
Consensus conferences analyze topics which can be considered
difficult to treat or controversial in nature, as well as those
where sparse literature is available to guide patient care. The
resulting consensus document will be shared with other allied
health organizations for endorsement as being the "recognized
standard" of treatment for the particular clinical topic.
The Academy held the first Clinical Standards of Practice
Consensus Conference on Orthotic Treatment of Idiopathic Scoliosis
and Scheuermann's Kyphosis in February 2002. The conference
identified current treatment protocols and the need for further
research in the areas of early intervention, orthotic design
alternatives and the appropriate timing of the safe discontinuation
of the use of braces in the treatment of Idiopathic Scoliosis.
Details of the conference will be reported at the Academy's 2003
Annual Meeting in San Diego, CA. The next consensus conference
will examine Post-Operative Amputation Care.
Shining A Light on the O&P Profession
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Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children in Dallas hosted the 2002 consensus conference on scoliosis. The conference faculty included Chairman Donald Katz, CO, FAAOP; Thomas Colburn, CO, FAAOP; Cyndi Walker, PhD; Carol Hentges, CO; Martin Carlson, CPO, FAAOP; Thomas Gavin, CO, FAAOP; Ralph Hooper, CPO; William Barringer, CO, FAAOP; and Keith Smith, CO. (Not Pictured: Gwen Monahan, RN and Stephen Richards, MD). |
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The 2002 updated study on Issues Affecting the
Future Demands for Orthotists and Prosthetists by Caroline Nielsen,
PhD, summarized the workforce challenges facing the O&P
profession. "Without substantial changes in the number of
educational programs, and the number of graduates becoming
certified, the profession will be unable to serve the needs of a
substantial percentage of the population."
It is in the best interest of the O&P profession to be able
to meet these growing needs. O&P patients deserve quality care
provided by qualified professionals. If, however, the profession
cannot meet the growing demand, patients may look to alternate
healthcare providers who will not fully understand the nuances of
the techniques, materials or technologies available to assure
quality care. This will result in less than adequate care and draw
business away from O&P manufacturers as well as patient care
facilities.
To address these needs, the Academy, in support of Project
Quantum Leap, is spearheading the Joint Committee on O&P
Awareness efforts to develop outreach activities. The first phase
of the career awareness campaign is already underway with a career
brochure, one-stop website (www.opcareers.org), slide program and high
school demonstration activities. Plans for a National O&P
Awareness Week will be unveiled at the Academy's Meeting in San
Diego, CA.
Research Urgently Needed
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Complimentary copies of the O&P Career brochure are available by contacting the Academy. |
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Individuals outside the field of O&P have
traditionally done much of the O&P research, much of which is
on a theoretical level. More emphasis must be placed on determining
what constitutes appropriate care for various orthopedic
impairments and neurological conditions. Applied research would
focus on those aspects of O&P care where known or determined
gaps in care exist.
The O&P profession needs a national research agenda, coupled
with research curricula training and infrastructure development at
the schools to attract students to the field.
The Academy's Research Advisory Panel (RAP) will undergo the
arduous task of prioritizing the most pressing research needs.
Additionally, the Academy's Research and Development Committee has
developed recommendations for conducting research and its inclusion
in residency requirements (see www.oandp.org/research_guide.htm)
Take the Leap!
The goals of Project Quantum Leap are ambitious and expensive,
however, PQL is a necessary and vital commitment to support the
needs of Academy members, patients, practitioners and the O&P
profession. Contributions to Project Quantum Leap are collected by
the O&P Education and Development Fund, a separate, nonprofit
501(c)3 organization, co-located with the Academy at 526 King St.,
Suite 201, Alexandria, VA 22314.
To learn more about PQL or to make a tax-deductible
contribution, please contact Julie Hayes, Director of Development
& Communications for the Academy, at (703) 836-0788, ext. 203
or visit the Academy's website at www.oandp.org 
Table Of Contents - March 2003
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