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Supporting P&O Rehabilitation in Other Countries
Many practitioners are interested in contributing the development of P&O rehabilitation elsewhere in the world, and are willing to devote substantial personal time and resources to do so. An increasing number of P&O outreach programs are now being supported by governmental and non-governmental organizations, particularly in developing countries. But, it is often difficult to determine how best to convert collegial enthusiasm into effective and sustainable local support.
This topic has triggered some passionate discussion in earlier Corners about the effectiveness of donating used components for re-use in non-industrialized regions of the world. Other potentially controversial issues include the impact of short-term efforts to provide direct patient care, the difficulty in providing effective follow-up in remote regions, and the impact of community based rehabilitation programs that empower people with disabilities to become their own low-tech orthotist or prosthetist.
In January, the US Member Society of the International Society for Prosthetics and Orthotics will be sponsoring a unique two-day conference in Orlando, Florida called "Reaching Beyond Our Borders" that will take a comprehensive look at a variety of outreach alternatives. The speakers are a who's who of internationally acknowledged experts with decades of personal and professional experience across the globe. Topics covered will include "Recycling Equipment: Do's and Don'ts", "Cultural Sensitivities", "Innovative Approaches to Prosthetic Fitting", and "How To Get Involved".
Anyone who has thought about participating in prosthetic and orthotic outreach projects, either now or in the future, should plan to attend this one-of-a-kind program. There will never be a better opportunity to learn from international experts in this area, to ask questions first-hand, or to network with other practitioners who have donated their expertise to advance the state of patient care worldwide.
Click here to download the preliminary program (PDF). For more information, visit the
US-ISPO web site
or contact Dianne Farabi:
US ISPO
PO Box 3188
Dublin, OH 43016
day phone: (614) 659-0197
fax: (614) 336-8596
dfarabi@columbus.rr.com
 NOTE: In order to view or print PDF files, you will need the Adobe Acrobat plug-in, which can be obtained free of charge from the Adobe web site.
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Expanding O&P borders
Thank you for clarifying this misunderstanding. I thought Mr. Shreter had originated this idea, since I had not seen this style of lanyard suspunsion system until he demonstrated the application of this TF suspension system on one of his C... read more
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Re: Expanding O&P borders
Glad to clarify the distinction between a lanyard technique and the KISS approach. I do try hard to keep the contents of this Corner accurate, so I'm glad readers are so alert and raise appropriate concerns from time to time. You raised t... read more
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Security
The security issues that are often raised around the ultra light materials and modular components that are incorporated in the design of a prosthesis is over classified. From a historical perspective the contributions of Van Phillips, and ... read more
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Re: Security
Frankly, no, I wouldn't agree. It seems to me that both carbon fiber composite structures and titanium were originally ultra high cost aerospace materials, and at one time they probably did have some strategic significance. But, they were... read more
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Expanding O&P borders
What about the technology security agreement? And why are we not offering these opportunities to American citizens first.
Also the KISS Suspension system is a Jon Shreter idea that he has been implementing since 2002. Give credit where... read more
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Re: Expanding O&P borders
Thanks for your comments, Mr. Madho. The implications of the technology security agreement are not clear to me, so please feel free to explain your concerns in more detail. I contacted Jon Shreter in response to your concerns, and he has ... read more
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