The British Association of Prosthetics and Orthotics (BAPO) launched an independent economic analysis examining the case for increased investment in O&P services in the United Kingdom (UK). The report, conducted by the Centre for Economics and Business Research, estimated that the current O&P workforce shortfall in the UK could leave approximately 193,000 people without adequate access to O&P care.
BAPO suggested that investments to address the gap could generate approximately £126 million (approximately $171 million) in net health and social care savings in the first year, deliver a £1.28 net health and social care saving for every £1 invested, increase the total economic return to £1.88 for every £1 invested when productivity benefits are included, prevent an estimated £1.4 billion in lost health and social care savings by 2035, and support greater independence, mobility, participation, and quality of life for patients.
The report also highlighted a fundamental challenge facing the profession: the continued lack of comprehensive national data on prosthetic and orthotic workforce capacity, patient need, activity, and outcomes.
“This is not simply a case for greater investment in P&O,” BAPO said. “It is a case for recognizing prosthetics and orthotics as an essential part of an efficient, preventative, and sustainable health and care system. Investment in P&O does not just improve lives. It makes economic sense.”
