The success of interventions and rehabilitation extends far beyond the devices provided; it includes factors as diverse as cohesive team dynamics and healthcare policy decisions that inform care decisions. A common understanding of the patient’s goals, the timeline to achieve them, and the social, psychological, and comorbidities that can impact outcomes is essential among members of the rehabilitation team. As with patients, communication between healthcare professionals goes a long way in setting appropriate expectations regarding steps in the rehab process and roles within the team. And a holistic view of patients beyond the immediate O&P goal supports reasonable individual timelines.
“Talk to Me: Teaming up for Serial Casting” discusses the importance of communication and cooperation between physical therapists and orthotists in serial casting to correct toe-walking. As noted, a strong partnership between the therapist and orthotist is important for optimal outcomes when orthotic adjustments are needed along the way as the patient progresses through rehabilitation.
In “The Prosthetic Timeline: Perspectives From the Rehab Team,” we share the viewpoints of a physician, physical therapist, occupational therapist, and prosthetist on the variabilities that impact the rehabilitation timeline after amputation. While the timeline is different for everyone, understanding the factors that can impact it, including external barriers to progress, such as reimbursement issues, can improve collaboration among the members of the rehab team.
Our final feature article of this issue, “A 2024 Election Summary and the Expected Impact on O&P and Health Policy,” provides an overview of the election results, possible impacts on healthcare policy, and what we might see from the lame duck Congressional session based on what was known at the time the issue went to print. While much is yet unknown, policy decisions regarding the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, the Affordable Care Act, and federal research funding are likely to have a significant effect on all areas of the rehabilitation team, including O&P, and we will continue to work with NAAOP to keep you abreast of the important policy developments throughout the year.
Happy reading.
Andrea Spridgen
