The American Board for Certification in Orthotics, Prosthetics & Pedorthics (ABC) has released the first practice analyses of both the ABC certified O&P assistant and therapeutic shoe fitter credentials. ABC’s Practice Analysis Task Force and ABC Executive Director Catherine Carter worked with Professional Examination Services, New York, New York, to create and implement the practice analyses.
The strategy for both surveys included a validation study to determine current trends in patient care, technology, and practice management in both the orthotic and/or prosthetic assistant profession and the provision of therapeutic shoes by ABC-certified individuals. The response rate for the O&P assistant survey was 32 percent and 31.5 percent for the therapeutic shoe fitter survey.
“We wanted to get an idea of what these practices look like in order to meet the ever changing needs of the profession,” said Steven R. Whiteside, CO, FAAOP, and ABC’s practice analysis task force chair. “The professionals who participated in these surveys provided a great service to their profession. Only those working within the profession can give us a comprehensive and contemporary look into their specific knowledge and skill sets.”
ABC will use the results of the practice analysis surveys to assure that its O&P assistant and therapeutic shoe fitter credentialing exams are continually relevant for individuals entering these professions. The results will also be used to identify specific topics for in-service and continuing education programs, as well as to provide guidance for education providers in regard to curriculum review and program self-assessment.
The Practice Analysis of ABC Certified Assistants in the Disciplines of Orthotics and Prosthetics and the Practice Analysis of ABC Certified Therapeutic Shoe Fitters are available on the ABC website, under the resources and links tab.
