The American Board for Certification in Orthotics, Prosthetics and Pedorthics (ABC) has released the 2017 Practice Analysis of Certified Technicians in the Disciplines of Orthotics and Prosthetics. ABC’s Practice Analysis Task Force and Executive Director Cathy Carter worked with Professional Examination Services, New York, to create and implement a practice analysis of ABC-certified technicians.
ABC last conducted a practice analysis study of technicians in 2011. In 2016, technicians were resurveyed to identify changes related to O&P care, available componentry, and technology. The goal of the practice analysis is to determine current trends in the provision of O&P services by technicians.
“We wanted to get an idea of what current orthotic and prosthetic technician practice looks like in order to meet the ever-changing needs of the profession,” said Robert Carlile, CPA, CTPO, chair of the practice analysis task force.
The overall return rate for the survey was 30 percent, a positive return rate for this type of survey.
“The technicians who participated in the survey have provided a great service to their profession,” said Carlile. “Only those working within the profession can give us a comprehensive and contemporary look into their specific knowledge and skillsets.”
ABC will use the results of the practice analysis survey to assure that its technician credentialing exam is continually relevant for individuals entering the profession. The results will also be used to identify content for in-service and/or continuing education, as well as provide guidance for education programs about curriculum review and/or program self-assessment.
“As a result of the survey, we’ll be able to provide the National Commission on Orthotic and Prosthetic Education (NCOPE) with pertinent information on what orthotic and prosthetic technician students need to learn and what information to disseminate,” said Carter.
