The American Board for Certification in Orthotics, Prosthetics and Pedorthics, Inc., has completed and published a new Practice Analysis of Certified Practitioners in the Disciplines of Orthotics and Prosthetics.
ABC’s Practice Analysis, last published in 1999, is a validation study focusing on providing a contemporary description of the tasks and responsibilities of O&P professionals. In 2006, ABC certified orthotists and prosthetists were surveyed in order to identify changes in the profession related to the delivery of patient care, the components available and the technology in use today.
A practice analysis study is complex, with many steps designed to ensure an accurate delineation of the work, tasks, knowledge, skills and other abilities required to perform competently within the profession. The ultimate goal of a practice analysis is to ensure a representative linkage of test content, such as the ABC certification exams, to the current practice of orthotics and prosthetics.The analysis of the survey revealed several interesting conclusions. Compared to the 1999 study, this data shows a slight increase in the percentage of time an O&P practitioner spends in clinical custom orthotic and prosthetic care, a decrease in the time spent in fabrication and education, and an increase in time spent on administrative issues.
“The practitioner respondents, as providers of optimal orthotic and prosthetic patient care, have recognized the importance of this study in providing vital information to standard setting organizations,” stated the ABC Practice Analysis Task Force Chairman, Steven R. Whiteside, CO, FAAOP. “This study will provide information not only to ABC for the credentialing exams, but to primary O&P educational programs as well as providers of continuing education.”
The new Practice Analysis is available for download at www.abcop.org, and printed copies may be obtained by contacting the ABC staff at 703-836-7114.