VA To Hold Multidisciplinary Prosthetic Conference

For the first time ever, personnel from three Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) programs involved with amputees and veterans at risk for amputation will meet together to discuss issues relating to amputee services.

A National Prosthetic & Sensory Aids Service, Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, and Podiatry Service Training Conference is scheduled for May 11-13, 2004, in Chicago, Illinois.

Outcomes objectives for the conference, according to the VA, are:

Identify the components of the Preservation-Amputation Care and Treatment (PACT) VHA Directive and strategies for compliance. Describe an interdisciplinary model of care for initial amputation, further amputation, and rehabilitation; Articulate the standards of care for limb salvage for the "at-risk" limb and rehabilitation for the amputee. Define the differences in approach to care for traumatic vs. non-traumatic amputations. Develop systems of care, specific to each medical center, designed to improve prevention efforts, limb salvage, and amputee care. Identify recent developments in research and technology relevant to amputee care. "New technology, care, and treatment procedures have dramatically changed with the wave of new US war amputees," the VA noted, adding, "The transition to a seamless care and treatment delivery system is dependent upon all involved being trained and educated in a uniform manner. This involves a collaborative effort of PACT teams, amputee clinic teams, prosthetic and orthotic laboratories, and podiatrists. Evaluation strategies for new and emerging technologies and contemporary research initiatives will be presented to ensure that clinical staffs are aware of assessment techniques and developing rehabilitative interventions."

Topics Cover Wide Spectrum Some of the topics to be discussed include a team approach to difficult cases, amputee demographics, preservation of opposite limb, tracking at-risk patients, managing the diabetic foot, avoidance and treatment of co-morbidities, new advances in prostheses and prostheses for specialized purposes, a clinical approach to post-amputation pain, and cutting-edge research.

Surgical considerations to preserve and enhance function from vascular and orthopedic perspectives will be explored. Early care of the traumatic amputee from the battlefield to early management in the military treatment facility will be discussed.

A report will be shared on "the Post-Operative Management of the Lower-Extremity Amputee" consensus conference of the American Academy of Orthotists and Prosthetists (AAOP).

A seamless transition of Iraq vets from the Department of Defense (DoD) to the VA will be discussed. A panel will explore evaluation of the new amputee, indications for prosthetics devices, prescribing the prosthesis, reevaluation, and troubleshooting.

Paddy Rossbach, president and CEO of the Amputee Coalition of America (ACA), will speak on "Adjustment to Limb Loss." Sgt. First Class (Ret.)Dana Bowman, a former member of the US Army's elite parachute team, the Golden Knights, and a bilateral amputee, will close the conference with an inspirational talk.

VA To Hold Multidisciplinary Prosthetic Conference

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Hanger Forms MCO Dedicated to O&P

ContourMed Names San Pedro President

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