This June, the American Board for Certification in Orthotics and Prosthetics will begin conducting an extensive survey of O&P practitioners and technicians to collect the detailed information necessary to develop a new Practice Analysis of the Disciplines of Orthotics and Prosthetics.
The ABC Practice Analysis, last published in 1999, is a validation study focusing on providing a contemporary description of the tasks and responsibilities of the orthotic and prosthetic profession. Results of the survey will be used to update existing exams, describe current trends and future directions in practice and provide a framework for education, accreditation and residency programs.
Data collection is the most critical step in developing the Practice Analysis. ABC certified orthotists, prosthetists and technicians will be selected at random to receive the electronic survey, which will be distributed towards the end June.
Steven R. Whiteside, CO, FAAOP, is the Chairman of ABC’s Practice Analysis Task Force and knows how important the survey process is. “Participation from the O&P community is critical. We’ve written a detailed survey that will allow us to build the practice profile of the contemporary O&P practitioner, and thus identify the knowledge and skills they need to provide proper patient care. After the survey is analyzed, it will serve as a blue print for developing O&P education and residency programs, as well as certification exams.”
Practitioner and technicians selected to receive the Practice Analysis survey are asked to complete the questionnaire within two weeks. The online survey will be distributed via email, and reminder notices will be sent. Practitioners not selected to receive the Practice Analysis survey may contact Tom Derrick at tderrick@abcop.org to participate.